President Rodrigo Duterte will warmly welcome members of rebel groups such as the New People’s Army to return to the fold of the law and support them to start their new lives as reintegrated members of society, said Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday.
“If a rebel died, it hurts me and President Duterte,” said the former presidential aide.
He assured Duterte’s stance to encourage the rebels to reintegrate themselves into society.
The senator said the President will provide all kinds of assistance to those who will surrender, including housing, livelihood, and education for their children.
“You will be given livelihood, you will be given assistance ng assistance,” said Go, adding that the government has good programs for them.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict was created through Executive Order No. 70 in 2018. It institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace by creating the NTF-ELCAC and adopting a National Peace Framework.
According to EO 70, the whole-of-nation approach addresses the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government.
It also includes facilitating societal inclusivity and ensuring active participation of all sectors of the society in attaining the country’s peace agenda.
The government agencies involved in the NTF-ELCAC assist through various programs dedicated to help NTF-ELCAC achieve its target goals, one of which is the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which helps through cash grants to former rebels.
The agency’s Livelihood Settlement Grant, under its Sustainable Livelihood Program, which is in support of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government, aims to provide financial aid to such individuals so that they can become productive members of their communities. Macon Ramos-Araneta
President Duterte also signed Administrative Order No. 10 institutionalizing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which are focused on reintegration efforts of former rebels in their respective localities.
Administrative Order No. 25 expanded the former AO’s coverage to include former violent extremists (FVEs), among other amendments.
Go noted that Duterte has accommodated concerns of leftist groups, manifesting his sincerity to achieving peace and prosperity in the country.