BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Eighteen former Negros rebels Wednesday received P36,000 in immediate and reintegration cash assistance each, under the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The E-CLIP beneficiaries are residents of the cities of Escalante and Bago, and Salvador Benedicto town in Negros Occidental.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the distribution of cash assistance at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, lauded the former rebels for choosing peace and deciding to join the mainstream society.
Stressing that the provincial government is always open to help them, Lacson advised the former rebels to spend wisely the assistance given to them amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assisting Lacson in distributing the financial aid were Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Col. Romy Palgue, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, and DILG provincial director Ferdinand Panes.
Pasaporte said that the government is sincere in its commitment to help former rebels who choose to have a renewed life.
Palgue also lauded the decision of former rebels to abandon the armed struggle and their decision to become peace advocates.
Panes said that he hopes the beneficiaries will honor their commitment and have mutual respect with the government.
He added that the DILG, AFP and PNP are always willing to help and assist them.*
