ORMOC CITY – Under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), seven former rebels in Leyte received cash assistance during the 3rd Quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting, which took place at the Provincial Capitol, Barangay Guindapunan, Palo, Leyte, on September 25, 2025.
A total of five program recipients each received direct aid and livelihood support packages amounting to PHP 65,000.00, and two (2) of the former rebels received basic assistance of PHP 10,000.00 and immediate assistance of PHP 15,000.00, which is accordingly in accordance with the E-CLIP guidelines.
E-CLIP is a government initiative under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that intends to reintegrate former rebels (FRs), including members of communist groups like the CPP-NPA-NDF and former violent extremists (FVEs), into the general public. As part of the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach, the program offers a range of support services such as financial help, economic support, psychosocial services, legal aid, and access to halfway houses to promote their return and foster social change.
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla emphasized that the program goes beyond cash assistance, for it will also help them make the shift to a more tranquil life. “This is not just financial aid. This is to support their transition to a peaceful life,” said Gov. Petilla.
On the other hand, Annabelle V. De Asis, the provincial director of DILG Leyte, urged the former rebels to assist the government in maintaining the progress made in peace and development.
E-CLIP seeks to persuade rebel group members to turn themselves in and reintegrate into society. In addition to addressing the underlying causes of insurgency, the initiative aims to advance sustainable peace and development and support national reintegration initiatives by the provincial government through DILG in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2025 issue)
