FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Municipal Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict of Capas, Tarlac has distributed financial assistance to six Former Rebels during a Serbisyo Caravan held at Sitio Pisapungan, Barangay Sta Juliana, Capas, Tarlac last March 15, 2022.
According to Major General Andrew D Costelo PA, Commander of 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, the financial assistance was an initiative of the MTF-ELCAC of Capas as a form of subsidy while waiting for their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.
It can be recalled that the FRs surrendered to the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion last June 2021 as a result of intensified Community Support Program (CSP) operations in the area.
“We are happy for the relentless support of our LGU for the FRs. Malaking bagay po ang subsidy na ito para sa kanila while waiting for the benefit under the E-CLIP. Sa ganitong paraan natutugunan ang kanilang daglit na pangangailan,” said MGen Costelo.
The caravan also benefited at least 200 Indigenous People members.
During the activity, an information awareness drive focusing on the CTG’s deceptive recruitment among the IPs was also conducted by a representative from the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster of ELCAC Region 3.
On the other hand, food packs, shoes for children, vegetable seedlings, medicines, and vaccination were given to the residents during the serbisyo caravan.
One of the FRs shared his experience and thanked the government for the assistance and the services they received.
“Masaya at nagpapasalamat po kami dahil andito po ang lahat ng agency ng ating gobyerno. Noon hindi kami napapasok dito kaya napasukan kami ng makakaliwang grupo. Kami po ngayon ay nakikipag-isa at nagpapasalamat sa 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion at sa lahat ng kapulisan dito sa Capas dahil noon takot kami sa sundalo at pulis pero ngayon sinasalubong namin at kasa-kasama namin sila”.
On his speech, Hon. Reynaldo L. Catacutan the MTF-ELCAC of Capas Chairman commended the FRs for their commitment in supporting the government. “Sa mga nagbalik-loob, binabati ko kayo at saludo ako sa inyo. Walang ibang tutulong sa atin kundi ang ating gobyerno, kahit tayo’y nasa kapatagan o sa kabundukan dapat tayo ay magkaisa dahil iisa lang tayo, Pilipino tungo sa asensadong gobyerno,” said Hon. Catacutan.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Henry Z Cabusao, the Commanding Officer of the 3Mech Battalion called on the remaining members of KLG TARZAM to surrender and return to their normal lives together with their families.
“Nakikita ninyo ang tulong at suporta ng ating pamahalaan sa mga nagbalik loob ninyong mga kasama, kayo din ay may pagkakataon pa na ituwid ang inyong pagkakamali, makipag-ugnayan sa inyong kasundaluhan at sa inyong kapulisan upang atin nang makamtan ang ganap na kapayapaan sa bawat pamayanan dito sa Tarlac at Zambales,” said Lt. Colonel Cabusao.
