ILOILO CITY, August 25, 2022. Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) attended the back to back activities of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) both held at the Iloilo Convention Center. Checks were awarded to ECLIP beneficiaries while the newly elected officials of the LMP – Iloilo Chapter were inducted.  Institutionalized to help rebel members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the Militia ng Bayan restore their allegiance to the Philippine government, the ECLIP provides financial benefits such as reintegration and livelihood assistance to aid former insurgents back into their communities.

“Now is the time for embracing everyone. Gawin natin ang lahat upang maramdaman nila na hindi sila magsisisi,” said SILG Abalos as the ECLIP financial assistance was distributed to its beneficiaries from the Iloilo Province. He also assured the former rebels that they would not regret returning to the fold of government as various agencies do their parts in strengthening peace and order efforts. In addition, members of the Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) were present to meet SILG Abalos and discuss pertinent matters and concerns of their respective offices.  RMCC members are composed of the Regional Directors of DILG VI, Police Regional Office (PRO 6), Philippine National Police (PNP 6), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM 6), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP 6), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP 6).

Some of the highlighted issues were the decongestion of jails, the humane treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), and the need for improved fire stations and additional fire trucks in some municipalities. SILG Abalos zeroed in on the use of usufruct instead of relying on LGU donations to expedite these projects. He further emphasized the continuation of the war on drugs starting from the grassroots and on the basis of the constitution. Intensified police visibility, open police hotlines, and random drug testing in prisons were also raised. Meanwhile, the LMP functions as a partner of the national government in the formulation and implementation of municipal policies, programs, and projects while promoting local autonomy at the municipal level among others.

The Secretary led the inauguration of the new set of LMP – Iloilo Chapter officers. “The LGUs are my bosses. I am here to serve you. That is the role of DILG,” he affirmed as he committed to assist the Local Government Units the best way he can. In return, he also thanked the local leaders for their continued support – particularly in the recently signed agreement of DILG and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in relation to the Educational Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).  These activities form part of the Department’s priority directives, which include the fast tracking of efforts for greater peace and development and ensuring the heightened performance of the LGUs in preparation for the full devolution.###