The Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Atty. Benjamin D. Abalos, Jr., graced the Joint Regional Task Force Region 8-Enhanced Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC) 2nd Quarter Meeting in the province of Northern Samar on May 6, 2024.
The meeting was led by PBGen Reynaldo H. Pawid, Vice-Chairperson for Security Sector and Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8, together with Atty. Benjamin D. Abalos, Jr., Secretary of DILG; Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan; MGen Camilo Z. Ligayo, Chairperson, JRTF8-ELCAC-TWG and Commander of 8ID, Philippine Army.
During the meeting, checks were personally given to former rebels (FRs) by SILG as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The purpose of this initiative is to assist former rebels (FRs) in their reintegration into society by offering them opportunities and rewards to become “Peace Builders”.
Secretary Abalos spearheaded the demilitarization of 56 firearms that FRs had turned in, the main goal of which was to keep the weapons from being used illegally in the future.
The demilitarized firearms were composed of eight units of cal 7.62mm rifle; eight units of cal 5.56mm M16 rifle; four units of homemade rifle; two units of M1 Garand 30mm; four units of homemade shotgun; 15 units of cal 45 pistol; two units of 9mm pistol; 10 units of cal 38 revolver; two units of 357 revolver; and a unit of cal 22 pistol.
He also praised the efforts of the Calbayog PNP, the assistance of AFP and Local Government Units for the surrender of the Most Wanted Person in Eastern Visayas who was recognized as the Most Wanted Person nationwide for numerous counts of murder and other horrific crimes.
SILG also emphasized to the media during their presentation that the communities in Samar may not be as peaceful if the most-sought individuals in the area were in custody.
