By: Tamara Morrigan Catada

Eight former New People's Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan mebers received P65,000 of financial aid each from the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The ceremony was help at the Western Command Training and Transient Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Friday.

Aside from the ECLIP assistance, the surrenderees were also granted P25,000 each under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) of the provincial government.

The awarding was facilitated through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Western Command (WESCOM).

"We all have high hopes that this financial assistance you have received today will help you start your lives anew with your loved ones," WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Alberto  Carlos said.

To date, a total of 214 surrenderees have benefitted from the local government's LSIP and the national government's ECLIP. 

"Returning to the fold of the law is the best decision these former rebels have made, and we hope that their former comrades in other parts of the country will do the same so we can all have a better Philippines," Carlos added.