Conflict is a serious problem that many nations face, including the Philippines. For several decades now, our country has had its share of conflict between government forces and rebels or insurgents. Fortunately, through peace talks and other initiatives, many rebels have decided to surrender and become reintegrated into the community.
In 2018, Task Force Balik-Loob was created as part of the Philippine government’s efforts in reintegrating members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, mainly through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) serves as one of the program’s lead agencies.
What is Task Force Balik-Loob?
Created by virtue of Administrative Order No. 10 on April 3, 2018, Task Force Balik-Loob is the the central coordinating body that supervises the Philippine government’s efforts to reintegrate members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their immediate families.
Aside from the DSWD, the Task Force’s lead agencies include the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Housing Authority (NHA), Office of the President (OP), and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU). Meanwhile, other partner agencies include the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Justice (DOH).
What is E-CLIP?
E-CLIP is a program that seeks to help members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and “Militia ng Bayan” (People’s Militia) who would like to reintegrate back into their families, communities, and the society as a whole. Through this program, they are given the assistance, training, and skills they need to start a new life with their families.
Program Beneficiaries
According to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Administrative Order No. 10, E-CLIP is designed for former rebels, or the following who have surrendered since April 3, 2018:
- Members of the CPP-NPA-NDF;
- Their spouses, children, parents, and siblings; and
- Members of “Militia ng Bayan.”
Program Benefits
Depending on their individual and specific needs, beneficiaries of the E-CLIP program shall receive:
- Immediate Assistance. This is worth PHP 15,000.
- Firearm Remuneration. The amount is based on the condition of the firearm(s) surrendered.
- Livelihood Assistance. This is worth PHP 50,000.
- Government Services. These include acquisition of Birth Certificate, government-issued IDs, and other services.
- Health Services. These include medical consultations, laboratory tests, medicines, and other health services at DOH-accredited hospitals and clinics.
- Housing Assistance. This applies to former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who are qualified to receive housing assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA).
- Modified Conditional Cash Transfer. Qualified beneficiaries may become part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the DSWD.
- Employment Assistance. Training and/or referrals will be given for qualified beneficiaries who would like to apply for jobs in the public or private sectors.
- Loans and Market Access. Low-interest loans and marketing assistance will be provided to those who would like to establish businesses.
- Legal Assistance. Former Rebels (FRs) who are facing cases will be given legal assistance through the DOJ.
- Alternative Learning System (ALS). Those who would like to continue their elementary and high school education will be given the chance to do so through the ALS of the DepEd.
- Psychosocial Assistance. This includes counseling, therapy, and other types of assistance.
- Conditional Transitional Grant. Over a period of two years, this will be provided to those who have been part of the E-CLIP program for one year.
- College Tuition and Stipend. These are for spouses or children of FRs who would like to finish their college education.
- Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Projects. These are projects that aim to develop facilities and structures in communities where E-CLIP beneficiaries reside.
NOTE: In accordance with the IRR of Administrative Order No. 10, members of “Militia ng Bayan” may receive Immediate Assistance, Reintegration Assistance, and Firearms Remuneration only.
Phases and Process
The E-CLIP program involves several main phases: Pre-surfacing Phase; Surfacing Phase; Socioeconomic and Capability Building Phase; and Sustainability and Community Building Phase.
Pre-surfacing Phase
During this phase, the Former Rebel (FR) signifies his intention to “surface” to a Receiving Unit. This unit informs the FR about the program processes and endorses him/her to the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO).
Surfacing Phase
The LSWDO endorses the FR to a halfway house or other available facilities. Meanwhile, the E-CLIP Committee makes sure that the FR’s basic needs and security are met. The FR fills out the E-CLIP Enrolment Form, which is attested by the DILG Provincial/City Director, and approved by the Provincial Governer/HUC Mayor.
Moreover, the LSWDO facilitates the provision of social services to the FR, such as medical check up and PhilHealth enrolment. Eventually, the Local Government Unit (LGU) endorses the requirements for the release of Immediate Assistance and Reintegration Assistance to the FR.
Socioeconomic and Capability Building Phase
At this point, the LSWDO assists the FR in getting documents such as birth certificate and government ID. In addition, the FR receives livelihood training, skills training, job referrals (as applicable), and other capability building services. He/She may also be enrolled in DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) if he/she wants.
Sustainability and Community Building Phase
The National Housing Authority (NHA) facilitates the provision of housing for the FR at his/her chosen sight. Afterwards, the Conditional Transitional Grant (CTG) will be processed; this amounts to PHP 5,000 per month for a maximum of two years — starting one year after surfacing.
If the FR’s spouse or one of his/her children would like to study in a state university or college, a college stipend will be provided. What’s more, if the FR would like to expand his/her business or requires financial assistance, access to microfinance and market access will be facilitated through the LGU, DTI, DA, Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Six months after the FR has surfaced, the LSWDO will conduct visitation and evaluation every six months for three years.
Video: Former Rebel’s Family Receives Gov’t Aid
In September 2022, a former rebel and his family received food packs, groceries, rice, and cash assistance from the LGU of Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Here is a video featuring their story:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some frequently asked questions about Task Force Balik-Loob and the E-CLIP program:
1. What is Task Force Balik-Loob?
Task Force Balik-Loob is the main coordinating body that supervises the reintegration of former rebels and their families into society.
2. Who are its member agencies?
The lead agencies of Task Force Balik-Loob include the DND, DILG, OP, NHA, OPAPRU, and DSWD. Other partner agencies include the PNP, DOH, DepEd, DA, and DOH.
3. What is E-CLIP?
E-CLIP is a program that aims to help former rebels reintegrate back into their families, communities, and society as a whole.
4. Who are its beneficiaries?
The beneficiaries of E-CLIP are former rebels who used to be members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, their immediate families, and members of the “Militia ng Bayan.”
5. What are the benefits?
Benefits of E-CLIP include: immediate assistance, legal assistance, firearm remuneration, livelihood assistance, government services, health services, housing assistance, modified conditional cash transfer, employment assistance, loans and market access, ALS, conditional transitional grant, college tuition and stipend, and PAMANA projects.
Contact Information: Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) Secretariat
Inquiries about the E-CLIP program may be addressed to the Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) Secretariat, through the Civil Service Commission Department of National Defense (DND) Field Office:
Address: Civil Service Commission DND Field Office, Natividad Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: (632) 982-5647 / 982-5679 / 982-5682 / 0927 837 5773 (Globe) / 0921 318 6832 (Smart)
Email: defensepublicaffairs@gmail.com, tfbalikloob@gmail.com
Website: https://www.tfbalikloob.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balikloobph
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Everybody, including former rebels, deserves a chance to become productive members of society. The Philippine government recognizes this, hence, Task Force Balik-Loob and the E-CLIP program was established. Thanks to these initiatives, families and communities affected by conflict can be improved and transformed.
Another group of people that need help with reintegration are human trafficking victims. To address their needs, the DSWD created the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) initiative.