FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — A total of 43 former rebels was awarded with financial assistance from the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee of Nueva Ecija in Cabanatuan City.
The awarding of the financial assistance was led by Governor Aurelio Umali along with the 84th Infantry “Victorious” Battalion (IB).
The former rebels were given more than a total of P2 million with each beneficiaries receiving cash assistance amounting to P15,000-P65,000 in checks, which they hope to contribute for their livelihood together with their families.
Brigadier General Joseph Norwin D Pasamonte, Commander 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade said that the assistance marks the foundation of unity for the good of the country and for the next generation.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil Ileto, Commanding Officer 84IB reiterated his call to all remaining CTG members to abandon now the communist terrorism and avail the ECLIP program to live peacefully together with their families.
7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division commander Major General Andrew Costelo, on the other hand, is hopeful that the event will be a pathway for other active rebels to see how sincere the government is in helping and supporting those who wish to embrace peaceful life alongside the government.