By Alma L.
Tingcang
IPIL, Zamboanga
Sibugay - The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here
convened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, for its 3rd Quarter Meeting whose
main agenda was strengthening the
Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) implementation for former New
People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Retired CSupt. Miguel A. Bernante, Executive Assistant for
Peace and Order and Public Safety presided over the meeting which started with
a security briefing and orientation on the CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN) organizational
structure by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP).
Regular members of the NPA who have expressed the desire to
abandon armed violence and become productive members of society including their
spouses, partners, children (legitimate or illegitimate) parents or siblings
can apply for the program.
“Enrolment to the CLIP will not exempt former rebels from
criminal and civil liabilities,” said Ms. Cherlita A. Garate, Provincial Social
Welfare and Development Officer.
The CLIP is a locally-driven government initiative that seeks
to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of
all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups. It aims to facilitate the mainstreaming
of former rebels as productive citizens.
Arnel F. Gudio of DILG-Zambo Sibugay said RA 7160 otherwise
known as the Local Government Code of 1991, mandates LGUs to provide social
welfare services which include programs and projects for rebel returnees.
The activity ended with the creation of the Provincial CLIP
Committee who shall oversee and monitor CLIP implementation in the province as
well as ensure convergent efforts in the delivery of identified services of the
program.
Also present during the PPOC Meeting were Col. Ignacio A.
Obligacion, commanding officer of 102nd Infantry Brigade of the
Philippine Army, PSupt Kenneth H. Mission of the PNP, and other members of the
PPOC.
