Duterte includes former terrorists in reintegration program

President Rodrigo Duterte has included former terrorists as beneficiaries of the government’s reintegration program, according to a document released by Malacañang on Thursday.

Previously, only former rebels who were members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines were eligible for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

E-CLIP beneficiaries are entitled to financial assistance, shelter, education, healthcare and legal assistance.

“There is a need to expand the coverage of the E-CLIP to facilitate the reintegration to civilian life of other rebels who have similarly chosen to lay down their arms and become productive and law-abiding members of society,” Duterte said in his Administrative Order 25.

Covered by the order are former members of the Abu Sayyaf group, Maute group and other violent extremist groups, as may be identified by the inter-agency task force, who have surfaced starting July 1, 2016, as well as qualified beneficiaries. 

Duterte signed the order on Wednesday. —LDF, GMA News