E-CLIP grants P2.9 million financial aid to ex-NPA rebels in Quezon

By Rowena Cruz Quezon Governor Angelina Tan distributed the P2.9 million in financial aid in collaboration with the Department of the Interi...

By Rowena Cruz

Quezon Governor Angelina Tan distributed the P2.9 million in financial aid in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Quezon Provincial Director Darrel Dizon, and 202nd Brigade Commander BGen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. to about 41 former New People's Army (NPA) combatants who turned themselves in to authorities in the province of Quezon (E-CLIP). (Photo from 202nd Infantry "Unifier" Brigade, Philippine Army)

LUCENA CITY - The government's Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program granted livelihood aid to about 41 former New People's Army (NPA) combatants who turned themselves in to authorities in the province of Quezon (E-CLIP) on April 11, 2023.

Quezon Governor Angelina Tan distributed the P2.9 million in financial aid in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Quezon Provincial Director Darrel Dizon, and 202nd Brigade Commander BGen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr.



In addition to financial assistance, former members of the rebel group received livelihood assistance and firearms remuneration.

Tan expressed her gratitude to the converted individuals in her message for their renewed faith in the government. The Governor also stated that the provincial government will continue to provide additional benefits and services to assist them in their reintegration into society.

Meanwhile, Balaoro lauded the efforts of various government agencies, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing assistance to converted members of the rebel group.

He stated that this is evidence of the government's serious efforts to persuade members of the communist group to return to the government and live a normal life with their families.

Balaoro also hopes that the converted individuals will inspire his former comrades to surrender peacefully to the government and become productive citizens of the country.

One of the program's beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for assisting them in returning to their respective communities.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno, na tumutulong po sa amin. Handa po kaming tumulong sa ating gobyerno na manghikayat pa ng aming mga natitirang kasamahan na magbalik-loob upang makamit namin ang tunay na kapayapaan”.

ECLIP is a program and part of the government's "peace efforts" that aims to assist CPP-NPA-NDF members with various forms of assistance, knowledge, and skills that they can use to change their lives.