Some 41 former rebels turned peace builders received their financial package from the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) of the Province of Samar at the Abanador Hall, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Catbalogan City.
Through the LSIP, the provincial government allotted funds for the cash assistance and provided other services to former communist terrorist group members as they return to the folds of the law. These benefits are on top of the other assistance provided through the E-CLIP Program.
In her message, Governor Sharee Ann Tan warmly welcomed the LSIP beneficiaries.
“Welcome home to the true government. We, together with the national line agencies, the military, and the church are here to help you have a better life, and we are working on providing you a better standard of living,” Tan said.
“Do not ever think that the government has forsaken you, or that we do not listen to your needs.”
“Do not ever think that the government has forsaken you, or that we do not listen to your needs. We are always here and the people, our constituents are always our top priority,” the lady governor added.
Meanwhile, MGen Camilo Ligayo of 8ID shared, “The government is always ready and open to our brothers and sisters who are willing to return to the true government, a government with a just democracy.”
Ligayo also stressed that not only the government, but each and everyone aspires to have peace and live in a prosperous and developed community.
Most Rev. Isabelo C Abarquez D.D., Archbishop of Calbayog Diocese was also in attendance sharing his guidance to the peacebuilders.
“Always put in your heart and mind that He will always be at your side.”
“I know the hardships that you have suffered in the mountains because of the wrong ideology you followed before. I always believe that you still have faith in God and I thank Him, and the Holy Spirit, for guiding and inspiring you to return to the government. Believe that we have a kind-hearted God who is always ready to help you and your family in times of catastrophe. Always put in your heart and mind that He will always be at your side.”
The provincial government encouraged the remaining active NPAs to go back to the folds of the law. and avail the benefits from ELCAC and LSIP.
For the LSIP, former regular members receive P25,000 immediate assistance, P50,000 livelihood assistance, and P25,000 per firearm surrendered.
Former Militia ng Bayan members also receive P10,000 immediate assistance, and P25k for every firearm surrendered.
Meanwhile, mass supporters will receive financial assistance of P1,000.
To date, more and more former members of the Communist Terrorist Groups have surrendered, a manifestation of the success of the government’s effort in promoting just and lasting peace.
