A TOTAL of 18 former rebels received immediate and reintegration assistance worth 36,000 each in a turnover ceremony held at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Thursday, July 16, 2020.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the Negrense former rebels for choosing peace and for deciding to join the mainstream society, during the distribution of cash assistance to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) beneficiaries.
The activity was also attended by 303rd Brigade Commander Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office Director Police Colonel Romy Palgue, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director lawyer Ferdinand Panes, and Lieutentant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 79th IB, among others.
The beneficiaries of the E-Clip were from the cities of Escalante and Bago, and the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto.
Lacson said the Provincial Government is always open to help them as he advised them to spend the assistance given to them wisely, especially in this time of the pandemic.
Palgue, for his part, said that all beneficiaries are important, and they have made the right decision to become peace advocates.
Meanwhile, Panes said that he hopes the beneficiaries will honor their commitment and have mutual respect with the government. He added that the DILG, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are willing to help and assist them always.
Pasaporte also said that the government is sincere with its commitment to help former rebels who choose to have a renewed life.