FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – A former New People’s Army (NPA) member who returned to the fold of the law who surrendered 10 high-powered firearms received over Php1.2M financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in a simple turn-over ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room, Capitol Building, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora on Thursday, September 7, 2023
Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, said that it was the biggest amount of remuneration a former rebel received this year.
He thanked the Provincial Government of Aurora and other local government agencies for their active participation in the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that implements the E-CLIP.
Lt. Col. Recto Jr. encouraged the remnants of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla – Sierra Madre to surrender to the government and live a normal and peaceful life.
“Lay down your arms and return to mainstream society like Ka Roel. Surrender now because there is more assistance coming from our government agencies. Do not hesitate to knock on the doors of the government to ask for help, we are here to assist you,” Lt. Col. Recto Jr. said.
Lerrie S. Hernandez, of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 3 commended the 91IB, PNP, Provincial Government of Aurora, and other agencies for their strong commitment to helping Ka Roel to change his life.
“Nawa ay makatulong pa si Ka Roel sa atin na makapaghikayat pa sa mga dati niyang kasama para sa pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa lalawigan ng Aurora,” Hernandez said.
Aurora Provincial Administrator Arnold P. Novicio, who represented Aurora Governor Christian Noveras, extended his gratitude to all the brave men and women of the task force who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the province.
Meanwhile, Ka Roel thanked the 91IB, DILG, and other agencies for facilitating his benefits.
“This amount that I receive is true and hopefully my former comrades will also surrender. I encouraged them to live a peaceful life and abandon the armed struggle,” Ka Roel said.
Meanwhile, Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army reminded Ka Roel to make use of the benefits given to him by the government for his family to live a normal life.
“Itong perang ito ay galing sa mga buwis ng mga Pilipino, kaya naman nawa’y magamit mo ito upang mas mapa-unlad mo pa ang iyong sarili kasama ng iyong pamilya. Sa 91IB, DILG at iba pang stakeholder, maraming salamat sa inyong ipinakitang dedikasyon upang ma-ipaabot natin sa mga dating rebelde ang tulong na kanilang inaasahan,” MGen. Costelo said.
