Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is a recipient of the five million peso-fund from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the construction of the Halfway House that will serve as the processing center for former rebels.
This facility is officially starting its operation today, August 18, 2020, at the Provincial Processing and Animal Center, Barangay Tinongcop, Tantangan, South Cotabato.
With the most recent developments in addressing the issues with rebels, and since the Philippine government recognizes that the call for peace, security, and order is not solely the work of the military, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Administrative Order No. 10 institutionalizing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP. This is a government program that aims to help the rebel members of CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.
Through this program, they can be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new, normal lives. The financial benefits intended for their development include reintegration assistance (Php 21,000.00), firearms, explosives, and ammunitions remuneration immediate assistance (Php 15,000.00), livelihood assistance (Php 50,000.00), livelihood materials and implements or employment assistance (Php 100,000.00), access to government services, medical and legal assistance, alternative learning system, psychosocial assistance, college tuition and stipend, and conditional transitional grant (Php 5,000.00), among others.
The event was graced by the DILG Provincial Director Atty. Rochelle Mahinay-Sero representing DILG Regional Director Josephine C. Leysa, Executive Assistant Mr. Rudy Jimenea representing Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr, 6th Infantry Division Commander MGen Diosdado C. Carreon, PA, Vice Governor Vic De Jesus, South Cotabato Board Members Antonio Fungan and Ester Marin Catorce, Tantangan Mayor Benjamin Figueroa Jr., and other guests.
