COMPOSTELA VALLEY – On its 3rd batch of presentation, 11 former
rebels each received P65,000 worth of check as the government’s Comprehensive
Local Integration Program (CLIP) with the turnover rites held during the first
regular Peace and Order Council Meeting of the province this year last January
21.
Presenting the check to rebel returnees are Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director (PD) Liborio Diana, Vice-Gov.
Manuel Zamora, PNP PD Albert Ignatius Ferro and 1001st Brigade Commander
Col. Macairog Alberto of the Philippine Army.The total amount is composed of
P15,000 as immediate assistance and P50,000 for livelihood assistance.
Last year, 52 rebel returnees were already given financial
assistance under the same program with 2 more batches totaling to 19
beneficiaries set to be awarded this year.
CLIP is a national government program for rebels who want to
go back to the folds of the law and help them live normal lives. The program
provides financial assistance and even health and education assistance packages
to the returnees.
According to 21-year old “Lisa” (not her real name), she was
convinced of the programs and felt the sincerity of the government in helping
them. She narrated her past experiences and how it was difficult for her to
even visit her partner and 1 year-old kid.
Asked how she will use the financial assistance, she replied,
“Plano nako nga magbabuyan ug mu-balhin ug lugar. Gusto na namu magsugod ug
bag-ong kinabuhi nga adunay kagawasan.” (I plan to put up a piggery. We
wanted to start anew).
Meanwhile, 57 year-old “Domeng,” another recipient of the
CLIP, plans to have his own rice farm. “Maski gamay, plano nako mupalit
ug basakan,” he said. Like Lisa, he will also relocate to another town for
security reasons. (Fe Maestre/ IDS Comval)
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