Abalos to LGUs: Intensify reintegration efforts for former rebels

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has encouraged all local government units (LGUs) to intensify efforts in helping former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and violent extremists reintegrate with the mainstream society.

Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. said the reintegration was part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to end communist insurgency in the country.

Abalos noted that the convergence of the government’s counterinsurgency efforts is a game-changer in addressing not only our internal security threats but also the ills of society such as poverty, social inequality, and historical injustice, among others.

“I strongly support and promote the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other local social services programs that help the members of vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities,” he said.

E-CLIP is a government reintegration program that administers a complete package of benefits and assistance to help former rebels to live their lives anew with their families, and become productive members of the society.