Ex-rebels got P45 million aid since July – DILG

MANILA, Philippines — Former rebels have received over P45 million in assistance from the government since July, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The DILG said 611 rebel returnees and their families received the assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said the government provides livelihood, education, housing, medical and other social services to assist former rebels.

He urged local government units (LGUs) to continue to work with the national government in prioritizing programs and projects that support the country’s peace agenda.

DILG data showed that 1,019 LGUs completed Support to Barangay Development Projects (SBDP) in areas declared as insurgency-free.

Abalos said 1,658 SBDPs are set to be implemented this year, which include farm-to-market roads, health stations, school buildings, electrification and livelihood assistance.

The allocation for the project this year was reduced to P4 million from P20 million in the previous year due to budget constraints.

Abalos had earlier said there are only five active communist guerrilla fronts in the country.