DAVAO: The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Davao Region (DILG-11) distributed PHP12 million worth of support to hundreds of former communist rebels last year under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). In a press briefing Tuesday, Abdullah Matalam, DILG-11 regional director, said that of the total amount, PHP2.19 million were released to the former rebels (FRs) for immediate assistance, livelihood assistance (PHP6.2 million) and reintegration assistance (PHP3.67 million). Of the allotment, Davao del Norte FRs got PHP5.7 million; Davao City, PHP4.3 million; Davao Oriental, PHP1.2 million; Davao de Oro, PHP674,000; and Davao del Sur, PHP122,000. 'Through ECLIP, the DILG-Davao del Norte Provincial Office also handed over financial and livelihood assistance to 65 FRs in the province,' Matalam said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum here. Currently, DILG-11 is waiting for the funding allocation of ECLIP for the first quarter of this year, which amounts t o PHP2.2 million, and PHP8.2 million for the second quarter. Matalam also reported that 1,162 villages received basic orientation course for newly elected officials to ensure they are prepared to serve effectively. Source: Philippines News Agency