BUTUAN: The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Caraga Region (DILG-13) has provided over PHP192 million worth of assistance to former communist rebels in the area since 2018, an official said Tuesday. DILG-13 Director Ma. Loisella Lucino said at least 2,058 former rebels (FRs) in the region benefited from the aid, supported by local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. 'Among the DILG's flagship programs is the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), which is aimed at providing benefits and assistance to our FRs,' Lucino said during the Kapihan Sa Bagong Pilipinas forum in this city. From 2018 until the first semester of this year, PHP192.2 million in aid was given to the FRs in the form of livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, immediate assistance, and reintegration assistance. Of the amount, PHP52.4 million was allotted for firearms remuneration received by 928 rebel s who surrendered 462 firearms demilitarized or destroyed during the period. Some PHP60 million was also allocated for livelihood assistance to 1,205 FRs who surrendered during the period. 'With the support of the LGUs and other stakeholders, we continue to strengthen the ECLIP to encourage more rebels to come down and return to the government,' Lucino said. Source: Philippines News Agency