The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) is in talks with Task Force Balik-Loob of the Department of National Defense to hasten the release of benefits of former rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“We understand the frustrations and concerns of the FRs (former rebels) and their families who have been eagerly awaiting the release of benefits. Rest assured, we are fully committed to resolving this issue promptly and efficiently.” Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña, OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao director, said in a statement Monday.

ECLIP is a government initiative that aims to provide a comprehensive package of benefits and assistance to FRs who have decided to return to the fold of the law.

Evangelista-Lapiña noted that more than 700 FRs in Regions 11, 12, and 13 have yet to receive their ECLIP benefits.

“These FRs are still being ‘verified’ if they’re enrolled in the ECLIP Information System maintained by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” she added.

Lapiña said the delay in the release of benefits has not gone unnoticed, and assured FRs that they are actively working to expedite the process.

She said the issue of delayed E-CLIP benefits surfaced during OPAPRU’s roll-out of the Transformation Program Planning Workshop in the three regions earlier this year, where FRs and various stakeholders raised the concern in the plenary.

“This program is not just about financial support, but also about enabling these individuals to rebuild their lives and become productive members of our communities,” she said. (PNA)