Read in: Bisaya

In a ceremony in Dumaguete City last February 3, 2021 initiated by the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC), alleged 27 “former milisya ng bayan surrenderers” received cash assistance totaling 20,000 each; 15,000 of which from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the remaining 5,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Over-all sum of funds released run to 540,000. Of the 27 “surrenderers”, 18 comes from the area of operation of 11th IB (Southeast Negros), while the other nine from the 94th IB (South Central Negros).

But the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) implementing rules and guidelines stipulate that each surrenderer shall receive, at the minimum, an amount of 65,000 for immediate and livelihood assistance. Meaning, the money that ought to be released for the 27 “surrenders” should be 1,755,000.

Instead, a sizeable amount of 1,215,000 went to the deep pockets 11th IB and 94th IB commanders and their flunkies.

Furthermore, a little known proviso in the E-CLIP guidelines state that an amount of 21,000 shall be allocated to the military custodial unit for the food, temporary shelter and other expenses of each surrender.

In this case, this amounts to 567,000. However, “surrenderers” usually went straight to their respective homes after the spectacle making this proviso not only superfluous, but also provide an easy way for the military to divert funds.

A grand total of 1,782,000 was diverted and apportioned among 11th IB and 94th IB commanders. The 11th IB obtained the biggest share amounting to 1,188,000, while the 94th IB squeezed about 594,000. ###