Catbalogan city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended assistance to 84 former rebels in Samar province under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD regional office reported that 84 former rebels received cash assistance of PHP3,000 each under AICS, totaling PHP252,000, during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Caravan in Catbalogan City, Samar. The initiative supports the government's peacebuilding efforts, providing immediate assistance and opportunities for former rebels to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities, as stated in a DSWD news release.

The activity, conducted in partnership with the Philippine Army and the provincial government, assists former rebels in reintegrating into society. In addition to financial aid, the DSWD conducted beneficiary profiling and validation for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The agency also held information sessions on key social protection initiatives, including the SLP, Walang Gutom (Zero Hunger) Program, and other sectoral services.

Overall, 152 beneficiaries accessed a range of services during the caravan, including medical checkups, civil registration, and national ID enrollment.