Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora-A former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) member received over Php1.2M financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) held at the governor’s conference room, capitol building, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora, on Thursday, September 7, 2023

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army said that Ka Roel surrendered 10 high powered firearms to 91st IB, the biggest amount of renumeration of a former rebel (FR) received for this year in Aurora.

The top military official clarified the amount of the remuneration depended on the appraised value of surrendered firearms.

He thanked the provincial government of Aurora (PGA) and other local government agencies for their active participation in the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) that implements the E-CLIP.

Recto also asked Ka Roel to ensure what he personally received today and use the financial assistance properly as he returns to normal lives.

He encouraged the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG-SM) to follow the footsteps of Ka Roel as an example that the government is sincere to help FRs to live normal and peacefully.

“Lay down your arms and return to mainstream society like Ka Roel. Surrender now because there are more assistance coming from our government agencies concerned. Do not hesitate to knock on the doors of the government to ask for help, we are here to assist you,” Recto said.

Lerrie S. Hernandez, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 3 Representative commended the 91st IB, PNP, Provincial Government of Aurora (PGA), other agencies and to Ka Roel, a former member of KLG-SM of the CPP-NPA who is now strongly supporting the government’s peace efforts.

“We are hoping that Ka Roel will encourage his former comrades to surrender and be on the side of the government for peace and development in the province,” he said.

On the other hand, PGA Provincial Administrator Arnold P. Novicio also encouraged other rebels to reflect and surrender like Ka Roel.

Novicio extended the message of Aurora Governor Christian Noveras gratitude to all the brave men and women of the PTF-ELCAC who have tirelessly worked towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the province.

Meanwhile, Ka Roel thanked the 91st IB, DILG and other concerned agencies for facilitating his benefits. “This amount that I receive is true and hopefully other CPP-NPA will also surrender. I encouraged them to live a peaceful life and abandon the armed struggle,” Ka Roel said. Present during the ECLIP awarding were Aurora Police Provincial Office personnel, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and other concerned agencies. (Jason de Asis)