FORT MAGSAYSAY, NE- The 69th Infantry (Cougar) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Marcelo F. Valdez, Commanding Officer and key Stakeholders facilitated the awarding of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to the thirteen Former Rebels (FRs) on May 31, 2022 held at Chico Breeze, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Each beneficiary received cash assistance amounting to Php 15,000- 149,000 for them to use as start up in returning to the folds of the law and living a normal life away from armed conflict.
“We are happy to see the developments in our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. We believe that with every concerned government agency performing their respective mandate and contribution in the anti-insurgency campaign will lead to end the local communist armed conflict. We assure everyone that the Philippine Army will always be your partner in our quest for lasting peace in the country”, said LTC Valdez in his message.
The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) led by Miguela Angwani and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) headed by Mr Anthony Manolo I. Ballug, Provincial Director together with Honorable Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr, Governor of Mountain Province and Lt. Col. Valdez facilitated the awarding.
The effort of the different local government units and national government agencies is just part of the Whole of the Nation Approach to end the local communist armed conflict as stated in the Executive Order No. 70.
Meanwhile, Major General Andrew D. Costelo, Commander, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division reminded the FRs, “Hinihikayat ko kayo na gamitin ninyo sa tamang paraan ang natanggap na tulong mula sa gobyerno. Gawin ninyong panimula ito sa pagbabagong buhay hindi lamang para sa inyong sarili kundi para narin sa inyong mga pamilya. At asahan niyo na handa ang pamahalaan upang tulungan ang mga katulad ninyo na nais magbalik loob sa ating gobyerno.”
