A total of 52 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to government forces were among the beneficiaries of the housing units in a turn-over ceremony held recently was at the Freedom Residences, Barangay Cuambugan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Capt. Roberto Escalona, the civil military operations head of 1001st Infantry Brigade said the housing project from the National Housing Authority (NHA) is part of the benefits under the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) awarded to the former NPA members,
Escalona said beneficiaries are surrenderees of the different units under the 1001st IB who yielded from 2018 up to 2020 and signifies intentions to avail such benefit.
Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of 1001st IB, said that these new home for FRs bring new opportunities, new beginnings and new lives.
“Rest assured that our partnership will not end here. We will still be always ready to assist you, as you start your new lives,” Durante said in a statement.
Durante reiterated his call to the NPAs who are still in the mountains, waging armed struggle against the government to come down, return to the folds of the law and avail the benefits of the E-ECLIP.
“Look at your former comrades who chose to surrender; they are now living normal lives together with their families. Help us to help you, let us work together for the betterment of our communities. Let us put an end to this 53 years of deceit, lies, atrocities and terroristic activities which put so much suffering to our fellowmen,” Durante added.
E-CLIP is a program of the government specifically designed to help the former rebels start new lives.
It includes P15,000 initial cash assistance, P50,000 livelihood assistance, Housing assistance, capacity building and training, among others.
