GOVERNMENT’S SINCERITY IN HELPING FRs: Friends Rescued Receive E-CLIP Financial Assistance

Four (4) Friends Rescued (FRs) of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) received their financial assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in a simple turn-over ceremony held today, February 22, at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City.

The financial assistance amounted to a total of Php 260,000.00.The benefits each FR received amounted to Php 65,000 consisting of Php 50,000 Livelihood assistance and Php 15,000 immediate cash assistance.

In his remarks, Zambo Norte Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) and E-CLIP Committee Chair Governor Roberto Uy said that the provincial government will be active in assisting and supporting the FRs’ reintegration to mainstream society.

Meanwhile, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera thanked Gov. Uy for the untiring support and commitment of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte in helping the Former Rebels.

“The benefits received by our FRs under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program will be of great help in their transition to society, and will aid them to become productive and responsible members of our community,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

In total, 29 FRs, including those who surrendered to other units under the Army’s 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade, also received the same E-CLIP benefits.