KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO- Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. assures the former rebel returnees to receive financial assistance from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and encourages other members to abandon the armed struggle and return to the government to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“The government is open to provide what the community is urgently needed” Tamayo said during his opening statement.
Tamayo said the new administration is committed to iron out the government system to give equal opportunities to all South Cotabateños.
At least 19 rebel returnees coming from different part of the province and also from the province of North Cotabato choose to surrender to Governor Tamayo.
“The reason why we abandoned our armed struggle in the mountain because we see good leadership and good governance here in the Province of South Cotabato headed by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. with free education and free hospitalization that we never enjoyed during our stay in the armed group.” Alyas “Turso” said, one of the nineteen rebel returnees.
These rebel returnees will receive series of Assistance: Firearm Remuneration which depends on the firearm they surrendered; Reintegration Assistance; Immediate and Livelihood Assistance; Financial Assistance; can avail loans; and assistance from the national line agencies.
From the month of July up to this month of the present year, there are more or less 55 rebel returnees who chose to return in the government and live a normal life.
This is also in line with the national campaign to end the armed conflict in the country, and provide necessary program and livelihood so that there is no other way for them to return in armed struggle group.
“There is no absolute reason for us to enter this battle because no one will win, we are all Filipino here. I am with you if other country will take the battle against us Filipinos.” Governor Tamayo added.
