MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Spotting the positive difference it can make to the peace situation, the security sector in the province of Lanao del Sur committed to support the implementation of the expanded Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
This, as Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) - Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Mcmillan Lucman has earlier stressed that the program already covers violent extremists who yielded to the force of the government.
103rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Billy Dela Rosa stressed that they see the expanded E-CLIP as a solid means to sustain their fight against violent extremism.
He recalled that one of their previous major concerns was the sustainability of the gains of their insurgency campaign due to lack of budget for the benefits that should be received by the returnees.
Dela Rosa stressed that through the expanded E-CLIP supplemented by the program of the Bangsamoro region called Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit (TUGON), they can already have a source of funds.
“It is very important to have this [ECLIP] purposely for the sustainment and for these violent extremists to start a new life with their families. The purpose of this ECLIP is to have funds for their new life in the mainstream,” he said.
Highlighting the pros brought about by the added provisions of ECLIP, Dela Rosa called on local government units (LGU) of Lanao del Sur province to support the implementation of such a program, believing that this can entice violent extremists to return to the fold of the law, thus, maintaining their effort for peace and security.
Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Director PCol. Jibin Bongcayao likewise encouraged LGU heads in the province to stand with the expanded E-CLIP for the continuous battle against the existing local terrorist groups in their areas of responsibility.
“Itong E-CLIP ay ang implementation ng countering violent extremism…Marami ang gustong magsurrender at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan kaya kailangan suportahan natin [ang E-CLIP]. The PNP is here to support that program,” he said.
[This E-CLIP is the implementation of countering violent extremism…There are a lot who want to surrender and return to the care of the government that is why we need to support this E-CLIP]. The PNP is here to support that program.]
Meanwhile, the security sector further reiterated its appeal to current members of local terrorist groups to yield as they are guaranteed to be warmly welcomed with the enforcement of the expanded E-CLIP.
“This is time for us to progress…We need our brothers who are still nasa taas pa at nandiyan pa sa bundok [who are still in the mountains] to return to the fold of law. We have this program for you. Our brigade is willing to help you. If you want to go to the mainstream, do it now. This is your time because the whole government is waiting for you to return to us and your family,” said Dela Rosa. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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