A TOTAL of P4.5 million was given to 79 former members of the New People's Army (NPA) last week in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The former rebels, who are all from Northern Mindanao, passed the requirements to avail of the government's Task Force Balik-Loob program, a program that provides former rebels immediate cash assistance, livelihood, and remuneration for firearms turned in upon their surrender.

Aside from the cash assistance, the former rebels also went through a series of psycho-social interventions as part of their reintegration process.

"These FRs are victims of circumstances and exploitation by the local communist whose desire is to grab political power at the expense of our indigent brothers and sisters. The local communist leaders deprived our people of the opportunity to improve their lives," Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade in Northern Mindanao said.

De Leon said the program is designed for former rebels to get back to their normal lives and help them "regain the dignity of a human being".

The Task Force Balik Loob, the governments overseer of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-clip), reported that Northern Mindanao is among the top 4 regions in the country with the most E-clip beneficiaries.

Captain Ryan Layug, 403rd Brigade spokesman said Balik-Loob Assistance Centers have been established in municipalities, cities and provinces across the region for easy access to rebels.

"A full-time NPA member and milisyang bayan members may approach any conduits such as barangay officials, priest, media workers or other community leaders. Then the conduits will accompany them to the army or the police for enrollment to ECLIP program, subject to validation procedures," he said. (PJO with PR)