DILG AURORA – Baler. To promote one of the Department’s programs, the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), DILG Aurora Provincial Director Atty. Ofelio A. Tactac, Jr., CESO V, appeared on a radio guesting on May 24, 2019, in the “Sinagtala Para sa Bayan” Program of the 91st Sinagtala Infantry Battalion, 7ID, Philippine Army (PA), which has a time slot every Friday, 9:00-10:00 in the morning, at DWBW 92.1 FM Radyo TV Baler, anchored by Cpl Emer L. Decena, CMO/NCO.
PD Tactac talked about the E-CLIP program which seeks to contribute towards achieving a permanent and peaceful solution to the communist insurgency problem by providing a wide package of assistance to former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan who returned to the fold of law and their immediate family members. He stressed that it is an offshoot to the Administrative Order 10 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 3, 2018, converging the CLIP of the DILG and other programs of different government agencies, to facilitate the mainstreaming and re-integration of former rebels (FRs) to society. The program also covers former rebels who surfaced and yielded starting July 1, 2016 who will be provided benefits from the E-CLIP - in addition to previous benefits that they have received.
The E-CLIP provides a wide range of benefits which includes Reintegration Assistance (PHP21,000.00); Fire Arms Remuneration (Double-the-cost valuation); Livelihood Materials and Implements or Employment Assistance (PhP100,000.00); Housing (PhP450,000.00); Medical Assistance; Legal Assistance; and College Tuition and Stipend (tertiary level), among others.
Atty. Tactac announced that during the Peace and Order Council Technical Working Group Meeting held on March 21, 2019 at Governor’s Conference Room, Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Suklayin, Baler, Aurora, four (4) former rebels were awarded checks worth Sixty-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP65,000.00) - consisting of immediate assistance (PhP15,000.00) and livelihood assistance (PhP50,000.00).
Atty. Tactac mentioned poverty and ignorance as major reasons for joining the communist insurgency. “Pero tatandaan natin, mahirap ang buhay sa bundok. Kinukulang ka sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain at inumin, ang inaasahan lamang ay ‘yon nakukuha sa pangingikil sa mga negosyante at mamamayan, it is a terrible way to live your life”, he said.
In closing, Atty. Tactac underscored that there is no future for members of the communist insurgency and other similar groups. They should surrender and be reintegrated in the community in order to have a brand new start, live a peaceful life, and be productive members of the community. The Department is closely working with the AFP, PNP, LGUs and other agencies to ensure the full implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
