LAGANGILANG, Abra – Twenty-one former rebels (FRs) from the municipalities of Bangued, Bucay, Sal-lapadan, and Tubo received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) awarded by the Provincial Government and Department of Interior and Local Government of Abra in partnership with the 24th Infantry ‘Wildcat’ Battalion, Philippine Army and Abra Police Provincial Office last week.
Governor Elect Dominic B Valera, together with DILG, PNP and 24IB awarded Four Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Pesos (P475,000.00) total financial assistance. According to Major Florencio O Panit Jr, Officer-in-Charge of 24IB, lauded that the awarding of E-Clip assistance is a proof of the government’s sincerity and genuine desire to help former NPA members to become a better and productive citizen of the country.
In his speech, Valera commended the efforts of the DILG, PSWDO, Abra PPO and 24IB for making the activity possible. He also encouraged the Former Rebels (FRs) to use the financial assistance to start their new journey towards the reintegration in the mainstream society.
On the other hand, MGen Andrew Costelo PA, Commander, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division gave his gratitude to the Local government of Abra and DILG – Abra for the tireless effort to help the Philippine Army in promoting peace in the province. “With the help of the local government agencies, I assure you that we will respond to the needs of the victims of communist terrorist group (CTG). I hope that the financial assistance you received will be an instrument to start a new life.” MGEN Costelo said.
