4 Former Rebels in Isabela Receive 1 Hecrate. Lot Each from DAR

Four of the six former rebels from Isabela who surrendered to the government were awarded one-hectare lot each from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as recommended by the local integration program board.

The handing of Certificate of Land Allocation was led by agrarian Secretary John Castriciones when he visited the province last week.

Castriciones said the Certificate of Land Ownership of the four former rebels will follow soon as he assured that these will be given to the rebel-returnees.

He said the awarding of lots to former rebels is in compliance to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s order to provide an avenue for the former rebels to start their new life and encourage the other rebel group members to surrender to the government.

The DAR official said that aside from giving them the land, DAR will also provide trainings on agricultural productivity and new technology so that they will utilize the land for income-generating purposes and for the benefit of their families.

The other two who were not present during the awarding ceremony, according to Castriones, will also receive their CLOA.

Army’s intervention

Meanwhile, 502nd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, said the Philippine Army will provide security to the former rebels to ensure their safety.

He said the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) board is continuously processing the granting of lots to former rebels. E-CLIP provides benefits and assistance to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) and Militia ng Bayan who express the desire to abandon armed violence and become productive members of society, including their immediate family members.

Bacarro has urged the rebels to surrender and avail of the many government programs and services and live a normal life. (MDCT/MGE/PIA 2-Isabela)