Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has deferred plans for the adoption of a comprehensive local integration program for rebel returnees residing in QC.
During a meeting with members of the peace and order council at Camp Karingal, the Mayor said that while QC wants to be socially inclusive even to the returnees, it is imperative that the city must be thoroughly guided of the plan, which is espoused by the national government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). “We want to be socially inclusive without infringing on their human rights,” the Mayor said.
At the meeting, the Mayor directed city administrator Aldrin C. Cuña to invite a resource speaker who could present an outline of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), which also seeks to provide financial assistance to former rebels who were engaged in combat. “We can probably have a presentation from other local government units which are already implementing the program,” the Mayor said.
Though the National Capital Region (NCR) is not included in the priority areas, the implementation of the CLIP executive order is still imperative in case former rebels will surface in the city.
As provided under the CLIP executive order, the financial assistance that may be provided to qualified clients shall range from P5,000 to P20,000 depending on the livelihood projects being proposed. For former rebel organizations, the amount of assistance that will be extended will range from P20,000 to P50,000.
The financial assistance, however, will only apply to former rebels who surrendered before 2013 and were not able to avail of the livelihood assistance provided by OPAPP or other similar agencies. (Precy)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
