Close to P3 million of cash aid was distributed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., to 51 former rebels from Northern and Eastern Samar under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The recipients of the P2.9 million financial assistance included 35 former rebels from Northern Samar and 16 from Eastern Samar.
In a statement, the DILG Region 8 Office said that during the activity, the Philippine National Police (PNP) had "demilitarized 56 firearms" surrendered by the ex-rebels, who were remunerated through the E-CLIP program.
Abalos graced the cash aid distribution after attending the Joint Regional Task Force Region 8 – Enhanced Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC) meeting in Eastern Visayas.
"In his (Abalos) role as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Region 8 (CORDS8), he discussed his plans for regional development and security and received updates from the various reports presented by member agencies of the JRTF8-ELCAC during the meeting. Additionally, the National Economic Development Authority Region 8 (NEDA) also shared their presentation on development challenges as part of the meeting and information for CORDS8,'' the DILG noted.
Abalos provided guidance on how to improve and give possible solutions to all the issues and concerns raised by the council members which included strengthening the collaboration with the Department of Agriculture on ELCAC-related programs.
He also commended the result of the meeting, where he reiterated the goal of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to let those at the grassroots feel and witness the presence of the government.
"It has been a fruitful meeting (with the) Joint Task Force ELCAC. Halos lahat ng ahensya andoon (in the meeting) para sa economic assistance (distribution). (Almost all the agencies were present for the economic assistance),'' Abalos stated.
The DILG chief added that the local government units that need support have been identified, assuring that the necessary assistance will be provided 'in accordance with the programs of JRTF-ELCAC.'