AGUSAN DEL NORTE – 122 ex communist rebels who were operating in Agusan del Norte were given 12 million pesos by the provincial government.
The aid was given through the enhanced comprehensive local integration program or “e-clip” during a ceremony held on Thursday, June 8, at the provincial capitol compound in Butuan City.
The assistance is meant to be a show of commitment by the government to support ex-rebels who wish to rebuild their lives once they reintegrate into mainstream society.
Attorney Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña, the director for Mindanao for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pece, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The program is an initiative of Governor Amante and the provincial government to provide for the needs of the ex-rebels.
Lapiña said that OPAPRU is actively participating in providing assistance to former rebels to respond to their legal challenges.
Aside from financial aid, the benefiaciries also received hygiene kits and medicines from the Department of Health (DOH), seeds and agricultural materials from the Department of Agriculture, and family food packs from the Department of Socail Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Former rebels have also been given an opportunity to participate in agricultural, livelihood, and basic life support training by TESDA, PAO and PDRRMO.
