452 ex-NPA rebels get ECLIP benefits in Caraga

By Alexander Lopez / Philippine News Agency

BUTUAN CITY – A total of 452 former New People's Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered to the different units of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) have already received aid from the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said the 452 surrenderers yielded to authorities from September 2020 until April 30 this year.

“Among the benefits they received were financial and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, and reintegration program,” Caramat said in a statement Tuesday.

Aside from the livelihood and financial assistance, Caramat said the former rebels also underwent 10-day training on crop production conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The PRO-13 director also noted the support provided by the local government units (LGUs) to the FRs such as the PHP10,000 cash aid.

“In Surigao City, members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who return to the fold of the law were given PHP15,000 cash by the LGU,” Caramat said.

He added that additional forms of assistance that may be sourced out from partner agencies can be extended to the FRs, including capacity-building, skills training, provision of shelter, legal assistance, employment, and medical assistance.

“These benefits are of great help for our brothers and sisters as they return into the mainstream society,” Caramat said.

He also urged the remaining NPA members in the region to lay down their arms and become recipients of the ECLIP program. (PNA)