Fifty former rebels who surrendered to the military and police in Paquibato district received cash assistance from the local government last week.
In accordance with Executive Order No. 70, which established the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the said former rebels or they called them ‘peace champions’ received packages of assistance from city government during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) Awarding ceremony at Arcadia Event Center, Ecoland.
E-CLIP chairperson, Mayor Sebastian Duterte personally handed over the individual checks to 50 former rebels and delivered his message of unwavering support.
In addition, each former rebel received an extra cash incentive of P15,000.
Notably, 34 of them originated from Marilog and Paquibato Districts, Davao City, surrendered to the DCPO Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay assigned to those areas with the aim of empowering the peace champions to become productive members of society, support the government, and contribute to sustainable peace and development.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Davao under director Vicky P. Sarcena initiated the activity with Julie Dayaday, (City Social Welfare and Development Office) CSWDO Officer In-Charge; Lawyer Jonah Margarette Presto of Peace 911; Lawyer Francis Mark Layog, City Administrator; Brig Gen Marion Ancao, commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Vice Chair and ECLIP members, City Police Office director Col Alberto Lupaz and Col Vimellee Madrid of Regional Community Affairs and Development Division.
The event stressed the commitment of the Local Government Unit of Davao City to embrace those who were victims of deception.
Col Lupaz said the activity exemplifies the genuine efforts of the government for the collective benefit, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“As proud Dabawenyos, we currently relish the reality of an insurgency-free environment, achieved through the collaborative efforts of all, employing a whole-of-nation approach. This showcases the true spirit of community and resilience in our beloved city,” he further said.
