Five former New People's Army (NPA) rebels were integrated into the government's Comphrensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) during short ceremonies at the Governor's Office Provincial Capitol Building, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Wednesday.
In the same event, the ex-NPA fighters were also inducted into Palawan's Local Social Integration Program (LSIP).
Each CLIP beneficiary received PHP65,000 worth of aid from the government, with PHP15,000 as immediate cash assistance and the remaining PHP50,000 for livelihood initiatives.
While their LSIP grant amounted to PHP25,000 as inclusive livelihood assistance.
Western Command commander Rear Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said that the continuous rise of NPA surrenders in Palawan shows the local government’s earnestness and partnership with WESCOM in attaining peace and order through the implementation of CLIP and LSIP for reconciliation and reintegration into the society of former rebels.
This is also a manifestation of former rebels desire and hope for new beginnings and a better future, he added.
“We welcome them with open arms as our brothers and sisters, and celebrate their ‘homecoming’. It’s about time that they get to live peaceful lives that they deserve just like everyone else,” Mercado stressed. (PNA)
