THE POWER OF COLLABORATION FOR PEACE AND PROGRESS: TFBL Chairperson and Defense Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon reiterated that collaborative efforts can truly make a positive impact on the lives of countrymen who choose the path of peace and transformation.
A total of 3,581 communist terrorist group (CTG) and 502 local terrorist group (LTG) members surrendered to government forces as of the third quarter of 2023. Of these numbers, 1,144 received various benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) worth P91,474, 212.17.
This was disclosed by Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) during the E-CLIP and Amnesty Program (EAP) Cluster Third Quarter Meeting on October 27, 2023 at the Philippine Army Officer's Clubhouse (PAOC), Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City. Presided by TFBL Chairperson Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon, the meeting highlighted significant updates on the E-CLIP and other peace initiatives as part of counterterrorism efforts.
The bulk of the benefits were administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the form of immediate, livelihood, and reintegration assistance as well as firearms remuneration. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported 1,794 surrendered firearms during January - October 2023. At the same period, the National Housing Authority (NHA) was also able to provide housing assistance to 67 FRs.
As part of the country’s holistic and sustainable peace campaign against the local communist armed conflict, the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) discussed the establishment of Peace Centers as support hubs for the convergence of security and socio-economic interventions towards the sustained reintegration of former rebels and their dependents. This is in line with the government’s campaign shift from a “security-focused one to something that is heavier on peace and developmental efforts," explained Undersecretary Ernesto “Jun'' Torres Jr., Executive Director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The meeting concluded with an exchange of insights and recommendations on how to further improve the distribution of benefits to eligible E-CLIP beneficiaries. USec. De Leon expressed his appreciation to all TFBL lead and partner agencies for their initiatives and efforts to vigorously implement the E-CLIP and urged continued collaboration with other stakeholders to further empower former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists (FVEs) as peace partners. He also commended the dedication and hard work of all participants and underscored the profound impact of their efforts on many lives.
E-CLIP is a government reintegration program created in 2018 to foster national unity and healing by aiding the reintegration of former members of CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan (MB) into mainstream society. The TFBL oversees the nationwide implementation of E-CLIP, bringing together national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to provide a whole-of-nation approach in helping communist insurgents and violent extremists return to the fold of the law and help them become productive members of the society.
# # #
