Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila - The Philippine Army Commanding General gave a message to former rebels attending the first Western Mindanao Former Rebels’ Summit and Acceptance at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay today, August 15, 2020.
Serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker in the said event, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana in his speech ensured that the former rebels can start a new life as they return to the folds of the law and receive the benefits provided by the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The CGPA also recognized the efforts of the Technical Working Group Regional Task Force 9 ELCAC headed by Director Ariel Perlado, the 102nd Infantry Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, other local chief executives, and local government units.
“With our partners and the communities, we will capacitate forces that will address the challenges of the times. The Army will raise forces that can provide new opportunities to our brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to the deceptive communist terrorist groups,” addressed Sobejana.
Around 76 former rebels attended the summit in which 18 of them just recently surrendered. The summit rendered the former rebels with a medical mission program as well as information drives from various government agencies. Distribution of firearms remuneration to former rebels was also conducted.
“Despite the pandemic, our government consistently pursues lasting peace and development in Zamboanga Peninsula. This also attests to our resolve to defeat the communist insurgency before 2022 and maintain stability in the region,” noted Sobejana. “Together, we shall build better communities anchored on the principles of unity and democracy, which our land is founded on,” he added.