links: http://www.afp.mil.ph/index.php/8-afp-news/518-prrd-afp-chief-meet-700-former-rebels-in-davao-city
From left:
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo
Guerrero, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana,
President Rodrigo Duterte, and Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command
Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal inspect the 265 firearms
surrendered by former rebels in the “Paghuisa para sa Kalinaw” event in
Davao City, Thursday, 21 December. (Photo by SSg Randulf Obinque/PAOAFP)
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commander-in- Chief President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, met with 700 former rebels and supporters in the “Panaghuisa Para sa Kalinaw” (Unity for Peace) held in the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on Thursday, 21 December 2017.
Around 700 former rebels/surrenderees were present in the Panaguisa Para sa Kalinaw.
National and local government agencies conducted social services, health, infrastructure, livelihood, education, social justice, and governance seminars and programs for the attendees.
The President led the Oath of Allegiance and witnessed the testimony from a former rebel.
The former rebels were from the provinces of Agusan, Bukidnon, Surigao, Davao, Cotabato and Sarangani. They surrendered their firearms to the authorities, underwent verification processes and are now recipients of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government which offers surrenderees various financial and livelihood assistance.
Among the specific benefits that each former communist rebel can get from CLIP are P15,000 financial support, another P50,000 for livelihood, and a remuneration for the surrendered firearm with an amount ranging from P12,000 to P210,000 depending on the type of firearms that they turned over.
The former communist rebels who attended the event were those who surrendered from 01 January to 15 December 2017, and most of them were former members of the New People’s Army (NPA). With their surrender comes the recovery of 265 high and low-powered firearms.
Moreover, surrendered firearms were presented to the President and other government officials.
This activity aims to provide the basic needs of former rebels and help them start a reformed life away from armed struggle. With debriefing seminars, livelihood programs and cash assistance, former rebels were given a chance to be reintegrated in the mainstream society.
The Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, various government officials, local leaders, and government agencies also graced the event not only to witness the ceremonies but also to hold dialogues with former rebels.
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