Former rebels avail Local Social Integration Program grant in Samar province

By 87th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
June 14, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process (OPAPP) in coordination with Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and 87IB spearheaded the conduct of Resource Mapping Activity relative to the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in Samar Province.

Initially, LTC Cerilo C Balaoro Jr INF (GSC) PA, commanding officer of 87^th Infantry Battalion, gave a brief presentation on the current stating of the former rebels relative to the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and synopsis on the case of Mr. Artemio Labong of Brgy Pagsanjan, Paranas, Samar former NPA militia courier and custodian of explosives. Highlighting said activity is the awarding of educational assistance for Labong’s children.

The salient points discussion for the welfare of Former Rebels (FRs) were: Half-way house, Health and Medical Assistance, Psychological Debriefing, Livelihood Training or Economic mainstreaming among others.

In march 13, 2012, cash assistance was already issued and received by the former rebels from the municipal government of Paranas, Samar worth of P20,000 thru Local Social Integration Program (LSIP). It was discussed that the success of the integration program with Labong family as a model to encourage other NPA members to return to the mainstream of our society. Other significant matter discussed is to institutionalize the integration program for the benefit of current FRs and anticipation for the influx of surrenderees.