Davao de Oro – Nine former rebels, now recognized as Reintegrated Members of the Community (RMCs), have received livelihood and other forms of assistance from the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The assistance was formally turned over during a ceremony held on October 5, as the government continued its efforts to support former members of armed groups as they transition back to civilian life and rebuild their livelihoods within their communities.
Of the nine beneficiaries, six received P65,000 each in Immediate Assistance and Livelihood Assistance, providing them with capital that they can use to start or strengthen their chosen livelihood projects.
The remaining three RMCs received firearms remuneration ranging from P88,000 to P93,000, with the amount determined by the type and classification of the firearms they surrendered under the government’s reintegration program.
The assistance is intended to provide former rebels with practical economic support as they reintegrate into their communities, helping them establish legitimate sources of income and pursue more sustainable means of livelihood.
One of the beneficiaries, identified as Alias Bryan, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the financial support would serve as important capital for his chosen livelihood project.
For the beneficiaries, the assistance represents more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives through lawful livelihood activities while strengthening their return to their families and communities.
The turnover ceremony was led by Chief of Staff Anecito Torrejos, together with DILG Provincial Director Aurora Corpuz and 25th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark Serapion Lagud.
The government’s E-CLIP is designed to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels by providing various forms of assistance intended to address their immediate needs, livelihood requirements and other challenges associated with their return to civilian life.
The latest distribution highlights the continuing role of livelihood assistance and firearms remuneration in encouraging former combatants to abandon armed struggle, surrender firearms and pursue peaceful and productive lives in their communities.