FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija—Seventh Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army Cmdr. Major General Angelito De Leon led on Wednesday the distribution of Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) benefits for 10 rebel returnees in the province with checks amounting to P807,000 at the Provincial Capitol in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
De Leon said the 7th ID also welcomes dialogues with its local constituents and with rebels who would like to grab the opportunity for a new and more peaceful life. He said 19 rebels surrendered to the 7th ID since the declaration of a cease-fire from last year up last month. He said most of them have benefitted from the CLIP.
He said the same will be offered to rebels who will follow suit and noted they need not fear for their lives. He said gainful employment may be provided to them.
Days before the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army (CPP-NPA) declared the cessation of the cease-fire, reports of communist rebels attacking soldiers doing community and development work, destroying flagship projects and forcibly recruiting people against their will to join their ranks came in succession, an evident orchestration of actions that took advantage of the cease-fire during that time.
The unilateral cease-fire declared on August 21, 2016, was put to an end on February 3, 2017, when President Duterte decided to finally lift the cease-fire with the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“It is unfortunate the peace talks that have run for almost six months should come to a halt because the rebels chose to use violence. However, the abrupt termination of the unilateral cease-fire has put the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a position to better protect its people and its soldiers,” de Leon said.
“From this point onward, the 7th ID will conduct focused military operations that will actively protect the communities and flagship projects of the government threatened by the NPA, and will be ready for any attacks they are planning. The 7th ID will not allow the NPA to hamper the delivery of basic social services. It will go after the NPA and prevent them from committing acts that harm the public. In coordination with the PNP, warrants will be served to identified CPP-NPA-NDF personalities,” de Leon said.