43 Zambo Sur rebel returnees get P2.7 million aid

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 43 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur have received livelihood and emergency assistance worth P2.7 million.

The rebel returnees each received P65,000 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Guipos town on Friday, Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs officer of the Army’s First Infantry Division, said. 

The military said surrenderees who turned over their firearms also received remunerations ranging from P50,000 to P60,000.  

The groundbreaking ceremony for a halfway house in Zamboanga del Sur that will serve as the venue for the rehabilitation and skills training of former NPA rebels was also held on Friday.  

In Mountain Province, an NPA guerrilla identified only as Bonie surrendered in Barangay Poblacion, Sagada also on Friday.

Senior Inspector Carolina Lacuata, Cordillera police spokesperson, said they are assisting the surrenderee avail himself of government assistance. – Raymund Catindig