Thirty rebel returnees from different parts of Davao del Norte received a total of P1.9 Million financial assistance from the government to help them start their lives anew.

Governor Anthony del Rosario led the turning over of a check worth P65,000 to each returnee last August 30, 2016 during the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting held at the VIP Club of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City.

The cash aid from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) is intended for the livelihood of the former rebels after going back to the fold of the law from years of hiding out in the hinterlands.

DILG Provincial Director Alex Roldan, Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol, and Davao del Norte Provincial Police Director PSSupt. Ferdinand Sifuentes assisted the governor in handing over the assistance.

The governor expressed hope that the returnees will be able to establish a much better life for themselves and provide for their families with the cash incentive.

“Sa atong returning rebels, nakadawat na mo og … capital na P65,000 matag usa , para magamit ninyo sa inyong panginabuhi , ayaw sayangi ang kwarta… gamita na siya pang negosyo para molambo ang inong pamilya [To our returning rebels, you received P65,000 each that can be your capital for your livelihood, don’t waste the money… use it for gainful enterprise that will help improve your family],” del Rosario encouraged.

Under CLIP, rebels who surrender to the government with their firearms are given monetary and livelihood assistance to boost their reintegration into the mainstream of society.