DUMAGUETE CITY - A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Oriental has received financial assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA) as part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for former rebels (FRs).

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Pena, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, said the former rebel received PHP100,000 here on Wednesday.

Pena, who witnessed the turnover of the cash aid, said the FR is a 19-year-old male who surrendered some months back after having been in the underground movement for about three years.

Under the E-CLIP housing project implemented through the NHA, a qualified FR is given three options to choose from, he said.

The first option is the construction of a house if they do not have any but they own a piece of land, Pena said.

Another option is for them to avail of a housing project for FRs, while the third option is to receive cash assistance for the repair of an existing house, he added.

The FR chose the third option as he hails from Siaton, Negros Oriental, and has a wife and two children, who live there, the Army commander said.

Pena said the FR from Siaton is one of four former rebels in the province who were identified by the NHA as qualified to receive housing assistance.

One of them had already received his assistance a few months ago, while the remaining two have opted to avail of a housing project in Davao, he said.

"They want to relocate and avail of a government housing project in Davao, and they will be given one house each," he added.

The brigade commander is happy to note that four of the FRs have availed of housing assistance from the government, saying that this is truly an indication of its sincerity to help ex-rebels in returning to mainstream society and starting a new life.

Also present during the turnover of the financial assistance were Dr. Henry A. Sojor, representing Gov. Roel Degamo, and Lt. Col. Carlos Lacuesta, deputy provincial police director for administration.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)