The rebel returnees also received livelihood assistance from the government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP).
169 former rebels out of the 199 are from Agusan del Sur, 24 from Surigao del Norte, four from Agusan del Norte, and two from Butuan City.
The surrenderers also turned over various firearms.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the distribution of financial assistance under E-CLIP.
Abalos emphasized the importance of helping normalize the life of the former rebels. "They must be assured of the government’s full assistance to make them realize that they have made the right decision of going back to mainstream society," he said.
Major General Wilbur C. Mamawag, commander of 4th Infantry Division, meanwhile, welcomed the rebel returnees back to mainstream society and guaranteed they would continue to assist them as they go through the process of deradicalization.
Mamawag thanked partner government agencies under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for working closely together to help the FRs get back to their normal lives and to deliver the needed services to the vulnerable communities in the 4ID's area of operations.
Meanwhile, the DILG also turned over 24 projects under the Support to Barangay Development Program to the local government units.
Present during the activity were brigade and battalion commanders of the 4th ID.
Photo from 4th ID