Former rebs surrender firearms, pledge to rebuild lives

NORTHERN MINDANAO — At least, 36 former rebels pledged to fulfill their lives under the government program dubbed as Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), and turned over their firearms to authorities.

Taking a significant stride toward peaceful and productive lives, the former rebels were officially welcomed back into the mainstream of society through a presentation, held at Camp Osito Bahian, Barangay Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Friday, 10 January.

The event, organized by the 403rd Infantry Brigade under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Malaybalay City, aimed to celebrate progress in the ongoing efforts to end the local communist insurgency.

The event highlighted the 4ID’s commitment to peacebuilding through various government programs, most notably the E-CLIP, which facilitates the return of former rebels to civilian life. The reintegration of these former rebels further underscores the success of the government’s holistic approach to ending insurgency through dialogue, rehabilitation and opportunity.

The former rebels who participated in the event surrendered their firearms to various units under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, including the 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, 26th Infantry Battalion and the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

The former rebels turned over high-powered firearms of various calibers, signifying their commitment to leaving behind violence and embracing a new chapter in life. This act was celebrated as a collective success by the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, and other local government agencies working together under the E-CLIP Committee of Bukidnon.