THE National Housing Authority (NHA) has released an initial grant of P30 million to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-Elcac) of Godod, Zamboanga del Norte.

The grant is part of the P40 million fund, which is intended for the construction of a 100-unit housing project for former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bunawan village, Godod and another 100 units for Subanen and Kalibugan Indigenous People (IP) displaced from high-risk areas in Poblacion in the same town.

The turnover of fund was held during the groundbreaking ceremony that signaled the start of the project graced by General Cirilito Sobejana, Armed Forces chief-of-staff.

Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the projects were made possible under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which intends to provide a decent shelter to former NPA rebels who have returned to the folds of law.

“The housing project for our former rebels will ensure that they will be able to have homes to build their new lives together with their families,” Nicolas said.

He said that 100 IP families will also benefit from the program under the MTF-Elcac, which aims to protect and assist IP communities, who have fell victims to the atrocities by the NPAs.

He said the projects are targeted to be completed by the end of this year. (SunStar Zamboanga)