COTABATO CITY—Some 23 members of Local Terrorist Groups (LTGs) from the island province of Basilan each received Php65,000.00 cash and livelihood assistance from the National and Bangsamoro Government on August 4, in Isabela City of the said province.
Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo and PA Commander 101st IB BGen Alvin Luzin led the awarding of Php15,000.00 cash and Php50,000.00 worth of livelihood assistance to each of the beneficiaries.
This project is part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and MILG’s joint effort to implement the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) designed to assist members of various armed groups, who have returned to the folds of the law and are receiving appropriate assistance in their reintegration into society.
“Ang gusto nating makita ay may substantial na pagbabago doon sa estado ng buhay ninyo kasi ho naiintindihan namin ang hirap na dinanas ninyo para makibaka sa paniniwalang palagay ninyo ay makakabuti sa buhay ninyo at mga kababayan natin,” said Sinarimbo.
“Ngayon po na nagkaintindihan tayo, kasama na po natin ang gobyerno para bumuti ang buhay hindi lamang ninyo kundi pati ng mga kapatid natin na dating gusto nyo ring bumuti ang buhay. Lahat ‘ho ng ‘yun ay sasagutin natin para magkaisa tayong umunlad,” he added.
Meanwhile, MILG Deputy Minister Ibrahim Ibay expressed his gratitude to those who benefited from the project for their full participation in government initiatives.
“Nagpapasalamat kami at dito na ‘yung mga nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno, na ito po ay naisipan natin na hindi aasenso ang isang lugar kung wala talagang peace and order,” said Ibay.
PCol Carlos Madronio, Provincial Director of Basilan PPO, and Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman in the capacity of Provincial Governor Jim Hataman-Saliman were also present to witness the awarding ceremony. (Majid Nur/BIO with reports from MILG)
