LAL-LO, CAGAYAN - DILG Cagayan Provincial Director Ruperto B. Maribbay, Jr. assured the 3 Regular NPA members, 27 Militia ng Bayan personalities, and 5 SPL volunteers who voluntarily surrendered, that the government will not turn its back on them and that it will mobilize state's policies, programs, and resources to assist them in their reintegration to the society. This statement was made by PD Maribbay during the press conference held on January 29, 2021, at the 17th Infantry Batallion Headquarters, Sub-Capitol Compound, Lal-lo, Cagayan. He emphasized the importance of reintegration and reconciliation in brokering long lasting peace and genuine development in the country.

PD Maribbay also discussed the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Under this program, enrolled regular Former Rebels will receive Php50,000.00 livelihood assistance and Php15,000.00 immediate assistance. Meanwhile, Militia ng Bayan members are eligible for the corresponding immediate assistance. Former Rebels who will surrender firearms will also be given remuneration, the amount of which will depend on the valuation of the surrendered firearms. Aside from financial benefits, PD Maribbay said that other government agencies such as the DOLE, DSWD, DAR, TESDA, NHA, DTI, and LGUs provide scholarship grants, medical assistance, and skills development trainings to former rebels and their immediate families.

The press conference culminated with the burning of CPP-NPA-NDF flags by the Former Rebels, which symbolizes the strong rejection of the communist rebel groups. (SOURCE: LGOO II RENZ ANGELO P. UMAMBONG)