A significant step towards peace and reconciliation was showcased by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in the Cordillera.
This was accomplished through the distribution of 2.3 million pesos worth of assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government to Viernes Dangiwan, also known as Ka Lipat, a former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
The assistance package provided to Ka Lipat includes immediate financial aid, educational support for his dependents, housing assistance, and livelihood aid.
The distribution of this assistance took place at the Kalinga Provincial Capitol on Monday.
Ka Lipat was formerly the Deputy Secretary of the Regional Unit Center (RYS) and the Commanding Officer of the Guerrilla Front Committee (KLG) Baggas under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) before surrendering to the military last year after three decades of participation in the communist terrorist group, during which he also surrendered 29 high-caliber firearms.
For Kalinga Governor James Edduba, who led the ceremony, he stated that the mentioned success of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict emphasizes the value and importance given to former rebels.
“This is our goal: to encourage our fellows to return to our communities, to restore their faith to the government, and to foster peace and development,” said Gov. James Edduba, Province of Kalinga.
This achievement is not only a victory for the efforts of the RTF-ELCAC and the government towards peace and reintegration, but it is also an important success for Ka Lipat as he begins his journey back to society.
It will also serve as a symbol of hope for the remaining former rebels who have surrendered and embraced peace, giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to the peace and development of the country.
