Press Release - Bong Go seeks strengthening of NTF-ELCAC, rebel returnees programs

"Masakit makitang mga Pilipino ay nagpapatayan sa kapwa nila Pilipino dahil lang sa magkaibang paniniwala," says Senator Christopher "Bong" Go.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Go is pushing for improved programs and services the government offers to former rebels who decided to rejoin mainstream society and to live with their families in peace.

Even before being elected to the Senate, Go has been a witness to the rootcauses of rebellion in the Philippines, having served former president Rodrigo Duterte for more than two decades starting while the latter was still the mayor of Davao City.

"Kadalasang rason bakit merong namumundok na mga kapatid nating Pilipino ay dahil sa sobrang kahirapan, at ang paniniwala nila na pinapababayaan na sila ng gobyerno, lalo na yung mga kababayan nating nasa liblib na mga lugar," Go asserted.

"Kaya nga dapat maresolbahan natin ang isyu sa kahirapan, mahalaga na walang pamilyang nagugutom at natutulog sa gabi na walang laman ang tiyan. Dito papasok ang mga kabuhayan programs natin. At kailangang mas lalong ilapit natin ang mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa kanila, lalo na yung mga hopeless and helpless, mga mahihirap na wala nang ibang malalapitan kundi ang gobyerno," Go added, who also sits as a member of the Senate Committee on Social Justice.

Go elaborated on the significance of the Balik-Loob Program under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which aims to reintegrate former rebels into mainstream society by offering various forms of assistance and legal protections.

"Government programs and services must be felt in the grassroots and in every community so that no one will be left behind towards development. Through these initiatives, the government can show its sincerity in uplifting lives and promoting peace," he said.

The Balik-Loob Program, officially known as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), is a key initiative of the Philippine government. Managed by Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), the program commends the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its role in positively transforming the lives of former rebels.

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