Task Force “Balik Loob” awarded the Enhance Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP) to 241 Former Rebels (FR) as first batch of beneficiaries on Wednesday at the Provincial Happy Home of Davao Oriental in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The E-CLIP is being implemented under the Task Force “Balik Loob,” headed by Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu of the Department of National Defense. It is an offshoot to the Administrative Order 10 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 10 converging the Comprehensive Localized Integration Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and programs of interventions of different government agencies to former rebels to prepare them for integration to mainstream society.

The E-CLIP was piloted by the 701st Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Reuben Basiao through an existing program of the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the other government interventions to former rebels who surrendered to his units.

As of July 11, 45 of the 241 FR received National Certification II from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority after finishing the Skill Development Training (carpentry, welding and massage therapy). All of them were enrolled in the Department of Labor and Employment Livelihood Program. Other benefits include PhilHealth enrolment, housing and legal assistance.

The ceremony was graced by Mapagu as head of Task Force Balik Loob, Assistant Secretary Manuel Felix of DILG, USec. Ronald Flores of Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, USec. Luz Ilagan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., Maj. Gen. Glenn Paje representing the AFP Chief of Staff and Maj. Gen. Noel Clement of 10ID.

Yesterday, 12 former rebels from Sarangani Province were also awarded the E-CLIP at the Provincial Capitol of Sarangani Province in Alabel.

Meanwhile, two suspected ranking members of the CPP-NPA in Mindanao were turned over to the Bukidnon Regional Trial Court following their arrest in an Inter-Agency Law Enforcement Operations in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City on July 4.

They were identified as Maria Limbaga Unabia of Koronadal, South Cotabato and Francis Madria of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

They were arrested through warrants CC 29243-16 and CC 29241-16 and 29242-16 for murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder.