PSWD-DSWD, Army Facilitate the Assessment of E-CLIP Enrollment of 13 New Surrenderees and Food Packs Distribution to Former Rebels

DEL PILAR, Cabadbaran City - On October 21, 2020, the 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its provincial branch, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) facilitated the assessment for Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) enrollment of 13 new surrenderees and food packs distribution to a total of 36 former rebels and new surrenderees who have returned to the folds of the government.

The former rebels are temporarily residing at the New Hope Village, 29IB Headquarters.

The PSWD conducted the activity among the newly surrendered former rebels who are sheltered in the headquarters of 29IB, in preparation for the awarding of a permanent house and lot for each of them, training, seminars, and assignment of their Pangkabuhayan location.

The event is pursuant to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 that is, to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and to institutionalize the Whole-of-the-nation approach towards Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This government program gives the former rebels the chance to surrender to the folds of the government peacefully so that they can return to mainstream life.

The activity is in accordance with Administrative Order No. 10, Section 1: Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which seeks to provide a complete package of assistance to former rebels who were members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as well as their family members, who have surfaced beginning on the date of the effectivity of this Order and who express their desire to abandon armed struggle and become productive members of society.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB said, "with this, we will be able to encourage the remaining members of the organization to surrender. Those who are still in the mountains descend and surrender because we, the servants of the government are here to help you to build a new life. We will help you to live peacefully and fruitfully. You should not hesitate to come and knock at the gate of 29IB because we will be glad to assist you, our fellow Filipino.”

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 29th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA