Former Rebels Receive E-CLIP Benefits in Surigao Del Norte

Five former rebels (FRs) were awarded with various benefits under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP) during the Barangay Development Forum on October 5, 2018 at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

The FRs received livelihood and immediate assistance amounting to PhP65,000 and firearms remuneration of PhP116,000 for AK47 and PhP100,000 for M16 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In addition, DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan E. Malaya, the event’s guest of honor and speaker, handed-over a check worth PhP5-million to the provincial government intended for the establishment of a halfway house.

A halfway house is a temporary shelter for the former rebels while they are on the process of transitioning from rebel life to a peaceful civilian life for their eventual reintegration to the community.

Earlier, the FRs also received PhP100,000 each from Governor Sol Matugas during the launching of Peace and Development Zones on August 28 this year at Brgy Sico-sico in Gigaquit town. (30IB-Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)