Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – Nueva Vizcaya’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) recognized its first beneficiary in a simple ceremony at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Mr. Danilo U. Dela Cruz, former member of the Aurora Provincial Committee of New People’s Army (NPA) and a resident of Brgy. Lublob, Alfonso, Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya, received his benefits from the province’s Governor, Hon. Ruth R. Padilla.
Lieutenant Colonel Randy O. Remonte, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 7ID, PA; Police Superintendent Peter M. Cambri, Chief PCR, NVPPO, and Mr. Ruperto Maribbay, PDILG, NV witnessed the event as Dela Cruz received his Firearm Remuneration amounting to ₱90,000.00. The said former rebel voluntarily surrendered to 3IB, 7ID, PA on April 9, 2016, bringing with him two (2) high powered firearms, one (1) M653 rifle with two (2) magazines (30 capacity each), two (2) twenty-capacity magazines, and seventy-two (72) rounds ammunitions. Two days later, he also surrendered an additional US caliber .30 M1 (Springfield) with five (5) magazines and forty (40) rounds ammunitions.
An initial Cash Assistance was also given to Dela Cruz amounting to ₱15,000.00 from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Nueva Vizcaya. According to him, he will use the given amount to start a new life together with his family. Aside from that, he will also be receiving a Livelihood Assistance worth ₱50,000.00 for his chosen livelihood program from the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya once he has submitted the requirements. “This is an important advocacy of the government for FRs. This will give us a second chance to uplift our condition together with our family,” he added.
The CLIP serves as a link between the FRs of the NPA and the mainstream society. This is a symbol of a true change in their lives. “The program on CLIP gave us a new perception on the military. They are the true protectors of the people and the state. Now, I can tell my former comrades that the military will not kill rebels if they surrender to them. Instead, they will respect their rights. In my case, the soldiers of 3IB treated me humanely as if we were brothers,” Dela Cruz emphasized.
“To my former comrades, let us invest our full trust in the government. They are serious in implementing CLIP and helping us embrace a new life in the community.” This was the testimony of a former Ka Mario, and now a free Danilo U. Dela Cruz.(CRIS PALARCA)
