The Davao City government has handed out the amount of P2.5 Million representing financial and livelihood assistance to 39 former members of the New People’s Army who voluntarily surrendered to authorities recently.
The former rebels, whose identities were withheld, all used to operate in Davao City.
They received the assistance on Friday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City, the assistance under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), which would help ex-rebels re-integrate into their community.
City Administrator Zuleika Lopez, handed to the returnees the amount of P65,000 each, representing P15,000 in immediate cash assistance and P50,000 in livelihood aid.
Assisting the City Administrator were DILG officer Vicky Sarsenas and CSSDO officer-in-charge Maria Luisa Bermudo.
According to Bermudo, CLIP is a mandate to the local government units from the Office of the President as part of the efforts for local empowerment.
A cash incentive will also be given for every firearm surrendered by a rebel, according to Sarsenas, however the authorities refused to reveal the value of the guns given.
Sarsenas added the firearms remuneration package will support the beneficiaries to start a new life for their families, adding that the returnees may also avail themselves of TESDA skills training and other livelihood programs of the government.
Active NPA members should now return to the mainstream of society and the folds of the law, “for us to finally achieve peace and prosperity in this part of the region,” Lopez said.
