83 friends rescued in Agusan Sur benefit from the reintegration program of gov't.
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- A total of 83 former rebels or friends rescued turned over their firearms and received immediate financial assistance from the government during the awarding ceremony of the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this province.
Present during the E-CLIP awarding were Santiago B. Cane Jr., provincial governor, accompanied by Samuel E Tortor, vice governor, and 1st District - Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Joseph D. Plaza; Dir. Arleen Ann R. Sanchez, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Agusan del Sur; Razel O. Montemor, provincial social welfare and development (PSWD) officer; Police Colonel Jovito C. Canlapan, provincial director of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO); and Colonel Adolfo Espuelas Jr., deputy brigade commander of 401st Brigade, Philippine Army.
Dir. Sanchez emphasized that the government's interventions for the friends rescued will continue until those still in the movement will surrender.
Col. Canlapan also called on the other members of the communist terrorist group to be one with the government towards achieving sustainable peace and development.
“The recipients were grateful to the government for the assistance provided as they reintegrate to mainstream society and live a new and peaceful life. Hopefully in the coming days, more new people’s army (NPA) members will lay down their arms taking into account the government’s effort in giving support to the FRs,” Canlapan said.
This activity is in line with the community perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 in developing a safer place to live, work, and do business in the province. (ADSPPO/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
