Ex-rebels to get P63.5-M assistance

MANILA, Philippines – Around 1,000 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels will get P63.5 million in financial assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). 

“The goal is to facilitate the mainstreaming of former rebels as productive citizens and enhance the capacities of local government units and national government agencies in the implementation and sustainability of the CLIP,” DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said on Wednesday.

Each rebel will get P15,000 in mobilization expenses while his enrolment in the program is being processed and P50,000 in livelihood assistance upon enrolment. 

The government will also offer cash for every high-powered firearm to be surrendered by the rebels. 

Sarmiento said rebel-returnees would also be provided security by either the police or military every time they surface while their enrollment in CLIP is being processed.

He said rebel returnees and their families could also avail themselves of psychosocial support as part of healing and reconciliation initiatives, as well as skills training, provision of shelter and legal assistance.