“…this (is) a good example sa mga gustong mag-surrender”-DILG-CAR Assist. Dir. Maribbay on P2.3M aid to Kalinga ex-rebel

Tabuk City, Kalinga - The Assistant Director of the DILG-Cordillera lauded the sincere continuous move of the government to aid former rebels to reintegrate into the mainstream society, expressing hope that the provision of the P2.3 million in assistance to an ex-rebel in Kalinga will become a powerful example for other insurgents to return to the fold of the law.

Kalinga is one of the provinces in Cordillera which still has remaining number of rebels, and thus armed clashes and encounters are still experienced.

"Sana, this will be a good example sa mga gustong mag-surrender... makakakapag-encourage sa kanila na ituloy yong kanilang balak na magbalik-loob sa ating gobyerno," said Ruperto Maribbay Jr., the Assistant Director.

Marribay made the statement during the turnover of said aid on Monday, October 7 at the Kalinga Provincial Capitol in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Maribbay persuaded the remaining members of communist terrorist groups to surrender themselves to the authorities while assuring that the national government is committed to providing them support through various programs.

One of the programs Maribbay mentioned was the DILG's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), where the P2.3 million assistance provided to a former rebel on said date came from.

ECLIP, according to Maribbay, is one of those ways to assist former insurgents living a new life.

The assistant director further assured that the national government is 'true to its programs' towards a free insurgency country for further development.