PIA Aklan Balita, (January 1 - 15, 2023)

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) “Toto Kalamay” of the municipality of Ibajay is this year’s champion of the Higante Contest which is considered as one of the highlight events of the weeklong celebration of Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival 2023.

The Ati Higante “Toto Kalamay” that garnered a total score of 483 points bested the other 10 entries from the different municipalities of the province, taking home the P150,000 grand prize.

The entries of towering Ati Higante figures in vibrant and colorful tribal costumes paraded on the streets of Kalibo from ABL Sports and Cultural Complex to Pastrana Park on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

In second place was “Ati sa Taeon” of Balete with 481 points and won a cash prize of P130,000, while in third place with 458 points was New Washington’s “Felimon Modern Ati” and awarded P110,000.

Landed in the fourth and fifth places were LGU Tangalan’s “Marajwili” (457 points) and LGU Numancia’s "Datagnon nga Ati" (450 points); which received P90,000 and P70,000, respectively.

The towns of Banga (Datu Manduyog), Batan (Ati sa Batan), Kalibo (Queen Maniwangtiwang), Makato (Mystic Makato), Malinao (Maanyag nga Ati), Nabas (Maria Nava) got P60,000 each as consolation prize.

According to the Provincial Tourism Office, the theme of this year’s Higante contest is “Tribal Ati” that features “vibrant designs and artistic embellishments that resonate the colorful costumes of the tribal groups of the Kalibo Sañto Niño Ati-atihan Festival.

The Higantes were judged based on their creativity and

“Toto Kalamay” a Ati Higante of the Municipality of Ibajay poses during the HIgante Parade and Contest on January 12, 2023. "Toto Kalamay declared as champion for this year's Higante Contest. (SQP/PIA Aklan)

originality, artistry, audience impact and appeal, and relevance to the theme.

The Higante Contest was conjoined with a parade by the employees of the different local government units of the province.

The event was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Aklan through the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office in cooperation with the 17 municipalities of Aklan. (AAL/SQP/PIAAklan)

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) The Department of Trade and Industry – Aklan is showcasing Aklan’s best products as one of the major highlights of the 2023 Kalibo Sto. Niño Atiatihan Festival through the Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase.

Mounted at CityMall-Kalibo, the showcase is in coordination with the local government unit of Kalibo and will be in the venue from January 9-16, 2023.

The trade fair features newly-developed items to show to

tourists and locals the best of Aklan’s famed abaca, piña, and raffia fibers, bamboo, nito wood and red clay products, according to DTI-Aklan.

Food products like longganisa, chorizo, breads and pastries are also in display.

The conduct of the product showcase in time for this year’s Ati-atihan Festival, which is conducted face-to-face for the

AKLAN, 2nd Floor Provincial Capitol Annex Building, Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan

The best of Aklan's products are currently on display at CityMall-Kalibo through the Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase, one of the major highlights of this year's Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival. (Photo Courtesy of DTIAklan)

DTI mounts...

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first time after two years, aims to promote globally competitive products produced by Aklanon entrepreneurs to potential buyers and guests.

The showcase, which opened on January 9, was attended by local officials, buyers, exhibitors, and special guests.

The opening also featured a mini fashion show organized by Aklan Fashion Designers Association (AFDA) to show their various elegant creations.

Aside from DTI-Aklan and local government of Kalibo, other partners of the project are the Provincial Government of Aklan, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., Aklan Fashion Designers Association, and CityMall-Kalibo.(JBG/ VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) The Island of Boracay in Malay, Aklan, which was named as the Best Island and one of the Greatest Places in 2022, accommodated more than 1.7 million visitors last year, the Malay Municipal Tourism Office reported.

Based on the record of the local tourism office, Boracay Island registered a total of 1,759,592 tourist arrivals for the whole year of 2022.

Most of the island’s visitors were domestic or local tourists with 1,588,079 arrivals; while foreign tourists were 132,687; and Overseas Filipino Workers or Overseas Filipinos were 38,826.

The month of May last year recorded with 201,368 tourists arrivals, the highest number of tourists Boracay Island had received in 2022. In this month also that the famous “LaBoracay” event in the island returned but reorganized and renamed to “Love Boracay” to promote responsible tourism.

Also with more number of tourists in Boracay was the month of June noted with 193,650 arrivals; followed by the month of April with 186,751; and July 183,096 arrivals.

Meanwhile, the month of December was listed with 172,852 tourist arrivals; August with 157,338; March with 150,597; November 139,634; October 135,252; and September 122,373.

With less than 100 thousand guests the Island welcomed last year were the months of February and January with 80,

Tourists enjoy the white sand and pristine waters of Boracay Island. Based on the record of Malay Municipal Tourism Office, Boracay Island registered a total of 1,759,592 tourist arrivals in 2022.

882 and 35, 799 tourist arrivals, respectively.

As reported, the island of Boracay started to accept foreign tourists in February last year after more than two years of closing its door from foreign visitors.

The continuous growth on the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Boracay Island is likewise attributed with the province’s catering of direct international flights through the Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Airport. (AAL/ SQP/PIA-Aklan)

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) The economy of the province of Aklan grew by 3.4 percent in 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here.

Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA-Aklan, said the growth is a rebound from a -20.7 percent decline in 2020.

She also revealed that the Gross Provincial Domestic Product (GPDP) of Aklan was valued at P51.9 billion, higher than the 2020 GPDP level but still lower than the pre-pandemic GPDP level of P63.3 billion in 2019.

Catubuan shared this information during the recent conduct by the agency of a dissemination forum on the result of the 2018 to 2021 Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of Aklan

at Marzon Convention Center in Kalibo, Aklan, which was attended by representatives of various national, provincial and local government offices in Aklan.

The activity was also attended by PSA national and regional officials, led by Usec. Claire Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General (NSCRG) who was represented by Assistant National Statistician Vivian R. Ilarina, and Chief Statistical Specialist and PSA OIC Regional Director Nelida C. Amolar.

Based on the PSA’S data, the province of Aklan was driven by Services with the biggest share of 71.5 percent of the total

Aklan's economy grew...

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economy in 2021.

Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles; Public Administration and Defense, Compulsory Social Activities, and Education were the top contributors to the 2021 GPDP growth of Aklan.

On the other hand, top three industries in Aklan with highest percent share to GPDP included wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles which garnered 28.8 percent; agriculture, forestry and fishing, 15.1 percent; and Transportation and storage, 9.0 percent.

Meanwhile, Aklan’s top three fastest growing industries from 2020 to 2021 were Accommodation and Food Service activities with 20.8 percent; Public Administration and Defense, and Compulsory Social Activities, 12.5 percent; and Human Health and Social Work activities, 11.7 percent.

For 2021, six PPA pilot regions were identified by the PSA, which include the Cordillera Autonomous Region, CALABARZON, Region VI, Region VIII, Region XI, and Region XII.

In Western Visayas, Aklan ranked 6th in the 2021 PPA in terms of per Capita GPD, the PSA revealed. The upper five ranks were occupied by the City of Iloilo, City of Bacolod, Antique, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. (JBG/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – A leader of the CPP-NPA Terrorist was killed in an encounter with the troops of the Army's 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion in Sitio Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

The troops were responding to the complaints of the residents on the extortion activities of the CPP-NPA Terrorist when they encountered more or less five members of Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

The firefight lasted for about five minutes. After which, the NPA terrorists absconded towards the Southwest direction, leaving behind their dead comrade, identified as Orlando Fat alias Banban, a resident of Sitio Banderahan.

Fat is a Political Instructor of Section Guerilla Unit 3, Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS), operating in the tri-boundaries of Guihulngan and Canlaon City, all of Negros Oriental and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental.

Also seized from the encounter site were caliber 45 pistol with two (2) magazines and five (5) serviceable ammunition; three (3) empty steel magazines for an M16 rifle; one (1) empty plastic magazine for an M16 rifle; magazine pouch for

caliber 45 pistol; holster for caliber 45 pistol; sling bag; backpack containing personal belongings, and subversive documents.

This encounter is the second armed engagement between government forces and NPA Terrorists in the Island of Negros for 2023. The first encounter transpired in Sitio MalikoMaliko, Barangay, Carabalan, in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Monday, January 09, 2023, that also resulted in the death of an NPA terrorist.

3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Commander Major General Benedict Arevalo commended the operating troops of 62IB for their relentless military operations against the remaining NPAs in Negros.

As he attributed the said success to the effort of 62IB, MGen Arevalo also lauded the vigilance and courage of the local populace in standing against the terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA Terrorist.

"The NPAs in Negros are nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. The Negrenses are now very vigilant in reporting their presence and illegal activities. They can no longer escape from the long arm of the law; hence, they must surrender while the clock is still ticking for them," MGen Arevalo said. (LTC MAGNO M MAPALAD III (INF) GSC PA)

Source: Retail Price Survey of Commodities for the Generation of Consumer Price Index, Philippine Statistics Authority

Price increase of Leafy or stem vegetables, among the food and non-alcoholic beverage items, mainly contributed to the uptrend of inflation at 10.5 percent in December 2022 in the province of Aklan according to Philippine Statistics Authority.

It grew rapidly to 16.4 percent inflation during the reference month compared to -1.2 percent inflation recorded in November 2022.

Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores addresses Provincial Capitol employees during a Monday flag-raising ceremony last year, thanking them for their help to make his administration successful. According to PSA-Aklan, Public Administration was one of the top contributors in the economic growth of Aklan in 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Aklan Information and Media Affairs Division)

Price of leafy...

The consumer price index of Leafy or stem vegetables which expresses the change in the average retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by the households relative to 2018 prices, was estimated at 153.3 this month.

This translates that in order to buy the same 100 pesos worth of Leafy or stem vegetables in 2018, an individual needs an additional income of Php53.30 to buy them in December 2022.

This was followed by Other vegetables with 38.2 percent inflation compared to 29.9 percent rate a month ago, while, fruit-bearing vegetables followed next with 30.1 percent inflation compared to 23.9 percent recorded in the past month.

Other milk and cream and Bread and bakery products also showed faster inflation rates with 10.0 percent and 9.0 percent inflation rate, respectively.

Meanwhile, inflation rate of Food and non-alcoholic Beverages at 10.5 percent was mainly driven by price of Cereals which inflated by 9.5 percent in December 2022 compared to6.2 percent inflation reported in December 2021.

Cane and beet sugar, followed with 88.6 percent during the reference month compared to 4.4 percent in the previous year.

Moreover, other food and non-alcoholic beverage items which showed highercontribution to inflation rate were fresh meat products, 11.1 percent; Fruit-bearing vegetables, 30.1 percent; and Other vegetables, 38.2 percent. (Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan/PSA-Aklan)

The Social Security System (SSS) disclosed on Thursday that it released a total of P11.80 billion through the 309,189 maternity benefit claims it received from January to November 2022.

SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino mentioned that maternity benefit claims have accounted for around 5% of the SSS’ total benefit disbursements of P236.27 billion for said period. This is the third highest amount of disbursement among the seven benefit programs and the highest among short-term benefits.

“We recognize the important role of women in our society, and it is an honor to be able to assist more of our female members through the Maternity Benefit Program,” Regino said. “We hope that with the implementation of Republic Act Nos. 11199 and 11210 last 2019, they will feel more supported by getting enough time and financial assistance as they care of their children, while they start to regain their health and overall wellness before resuming paid work.”

The provisions of the Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 included the increase in the maximum monthly salary credit (MSC) considered in the computation of benefits under the regular SSS program from P16,000 to P20,000, and an increase in the minimum MSC for the computation of benefits every other year from 2019 to 2025, among others.

In addition, Republic Act No. 11210 or the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EMLL), extended the number of compensable days of maternity leave from 60 days for normal delivery and 78 days for caesarian section delivery to 105 days for live childbirth, regardless of the type of delivery –with an additional 15 days if the female worker qualifies as a solo parent. The law also extended the maternity benefit to every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy, regardless of frequency, from the previous limit of only the first four deliveries or miscarriages. Contingencies covered by the EMLL are those from March 11, 2019 onwards.

As a result of said enhancements, the SSS has recorded higher maternity benefit disbursements in the succeeding years. Currently, the maximum maternity benefit a qualified female member may receive is P70,000 (or P80,000 for solo parents). Prior to said laws, the maximum was P32,000 for normal deliveries and P41,600 for caesarian section deliveries.

Moreover, from January to November 2022, the SSS has disbursed a monthly average of P1.07 billion maternity benefits, with 28,108 claims processed, which is 82.1% higher than its corresponding monthly average in 2018 of P588.84 million with 27,193 claims.

“While we look forward to providing a more meaningful social security protection for our members, especially during their maternity leaves and other contingencies that result in loss of income, it is also part of our duty to ensure the sustainability of our funds,” Regino explained.

The scheduled increases in the contribution rate as well as the adjustments in the minimum and maximum MSCs every other year from 2019 to 2025, as specified under RA No. 11199, form part of the measures to strengthen the SSS fund.

In January 2023, the SSS will increase its contribution rate by 1%, making it 14% from the previous 13%. The employer's share of the contribution will then go up to 9.5%, while the employee's share will remain at 4.5%. Selfemployed, voluntary, and land-based Overseas Filipino Worker members, on the other hand, will shoulder the 1% increase. The minimum and maximum MSCs will also increase from P3,000 to P4,000 and P25,000 to P30,000, respectively. (AMIEL GENOVA/SSS)

Source: Retail Price Survey of Commodities for the Generation of Consumer Price Index, Philippine Statistics Authority

The economy of Aklan grew by 3.4 percent in 2021, a rebound from a -20.7 percent decline in 2020. The Gross Provincial Domestic Product (GPDP) of Aklan was valued at PhP 51.9 billion, higher than the 2020 GPDP level but still lower than the pre-pandemic GPDP level of PhP 63.3 billion in 2019.

Aklan Province was driven by Services with the biggest share of 71.5 percent of the total economy of the province in 2021. (Figure 2)

Among the 16 industries, the top contributors to the 2021 GPDP growth of the province were: Wholesale and Retail Trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, Public administration and defense; compulsory social activities, and Education.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) established through Republic Act No. 10625 or The Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, is tasked, among others, to compile and maintain macroeconomic accounts and indicators, at the national and subnational level. The Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) is a mechanism to measure the economic performance of the province or highly urbanized cities (HUCs) at a given time.

Starting last year, the PSA annually releases the provincial and HUC level economic performances of the identified pilot areas. The province of Aklan is one of the pilot areas for PPA compilation in 2022.

For full report, statistical tables, and visuals on the PPA releases, please visit our website at http://rsso06.psa.gov.ph/ psaaklan or at the PSA Regional Office or PSA Provincial offices. (Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan/PSA-Aklan)

KALIBO, AKLAN.The Philippine Statistics Authority Aklan has exceeded its goal of distributing ePhilIDs to concerned individuals after delivering a total of 175, 439 copies, or 102% of 171,875 targets as of the end of December 2022.

The said figure is the share of the province to the nationwide 50 million targets of the office of PhilID distribution by the end of 2022 following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos.

The ePhilIDs is the digital version of the Philippine Identification card printed on a piece of paper which contains similar functionality and validity as the plastic cards.

According to Engr. AntonetCatubuan, head of PSA-Aklan, this milestone is remarkable because it indicates the readiness of the people in conducting a seamless transaction in accessing financial and social protection services in the government that requires proof of identity.

"We highly attribute this unprecedented accomplishment to the collaborative efforts of our personnel, guidance of the management, and support of the community that we were able to overcome the many setbacks in delivering these printable cards to respective owners in due time," Engr. Catubuan said.

The production of ePhilID is part of the PSA's initiative in addressing the need of every Filipino and resident alien to use the PhilSys as valid proof of one's identity and age.

The ePhilID has a unique digital signature through its QR code that can be used for authentication which contains the ID holder's demographic information and facial photo as an added layer of security.

Despite this ePhilID, the PSA assures the people that they can still avail of the plastic cardonce the production is done by the BankoSentral ng Pilipinas and will be delivered by the Philippine Postal Corp to the registrant's specific address.

Meanwhile, PSA urged government offices and private firms to honor and accept the ePhilID as sufficient proof of identity and age for all transactions to avoid legal sanctions. (Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan/PSA-Aklan)

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Hired PhilSys staff of PSA Aklan distributes ePhilID to the concerned owner in one of the barangays in Madalag, Aklan.

In Aklan, the headline inflation rate, which is the year-onyear price movement of goods and services, grew faster at 7.7 percent in December 2022 from 7.5 percent in the preceding month according to Philippine Statistics Authority.

It is relatively higher compared to 1.7 percent inflation reported in the same month in 2021 and reached the highest rate,the same with October 2022 rate, since January 2019.

The uptrend inflation was primarily brought by prices of Housing, water, electricity gas and other fuels commodity group with 6.8 percent from 6.2 percent in November.

It was followed by Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance which inflated by 10.2 percent from 9.0 percent in the past month, while, Food and nonalcoholic beverages reached an inflation of 10.5 percent in December from 10.4 percent in November.

Moreover, other commodity groups also exhibited faster inflation rates in December 2022 from their respective levels in the previous month, particularly, Personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services, 2.0 percent; Alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 10.0 percent; and health, 1.5 percent.

On the other hand, Transport items slowed down by 11.9 percent in December from 13.1 percent in November, and Recreation, sport and culture exhibited downtrend inflation by 2.3 percent in December from 2.4 percent in November.

Meanwhile, other major commodity groups retained the same inflation rates as November 2022.

Furthermore, the consumer price index of all commodities which expresses the change in the average retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by the

households relative to 2018 prices, was estimated at 118.1this month.

This translates to a purchasing power of peso at 85 centavos per one peso in 2018 and further indicates that in order to buy the same 1000 pesos worth of goods and services in 2018, an individual needs an additional income of Php181 to buy them in December 2022. (Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan/ PSA-Aklan)

Price increase of Rice, among the food items, mainly contributed to the inflation rate of 7.7 percent in December 2022 in the province of Aklan according to Philippine Statistics Authority.

It grew rapidly to 9.6 percent inflation during the reference month compared to -6.2 percent inflation recorded in December 2021.

This was followed by Cane sugar with 88.6 percent inflation compared to 4.4 percent rate a year ago, while, Poultry meat followed next with 15.7 percent inflation compared to

1.2 percent recorded in the past year.

Onions and shallots and meat of pigs also showed higher contribution to inflation rate with 64.3 percent and 7.5 percent inflation rate, respectively.

Meanwhile, the uptrend inflation of Food and non-alcoholic beverages at 10.5 percent was mainly brought by uptrend of Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Source: Retail Price Survey of Commodities for the Generation of Consumer Price Index, Philippine Statistics Authority

Source: Retail Price Survey of Commodities for the Generation of Consumer Price Index, Philippine Statistics Authority

Price of Rice...

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with 27.8 percent in December compared to 16.1 percent in November.

The consumer price index of Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses which expresses the change in the average retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by the households relative to 2018 prices, was estimated at 158.3 this month.

This translates that in order to buy the same 100 pesos

worth of Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses in 2018, an individual needs an additional income of Php58.30 to buy them in December 2022.

Milk, other dairy products, and egg, followed with 8.8 percent during the reference month compared to 6.8 percent in the previous month.

Moreover, other food items which showed faster inflation rates were cereals and cereal products, 9.3 percent; Readymade food and other food products NEC, 6.6 percent; and Sugar, confectionery, and desserts, 45.5 percent. (Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan/PSA-Aklan)

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion and the Philippine National Police units composed of 6SAB, PNP-SAF, RMFB6, 1st NOCPMFC and Municipal Police Stations of Calatrava and Toboso in Negros conducted a joint operation against the communist-terrorist group which resulted to the apprehension of its three (3) high-ranking leaders at Sitio Pinamactinan, Brgy Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental on January 6, 2023.

The troops launched the said joint operation after receiving complaints from residents on the presence of the CPPNPA Terrorist in the area conducting extortion activities.

The said operation resulted in the apprehension of Felix Susas Jr., alias Rigor, Kenneth, Glemore, and Dapin, Commanding Officer of SYP Platoon and secretary of Northern Negros Front (NNF); Cheryl Catalogo alias Celo, member, Educational Staff of NNF, and Jalen Susas alias Cristel/ Izumi/CG, Medical Staff, Acting Finance, and Member, Educational Staff, NNF.

Also seized from the possession of the captured NPAs were various materials, including two (2) Caliber 45 pistols; one (1) Caliber 9mm pistol; four (4) rifle grenades; two (2) magazines for Caliber 45 pistol; one (1) magazine for Caliber 9mm pistol; one (1) holster for Caliber 9mm pistol; 18 live ammunitions for Caliber 9mm pistol; seven (7) live ammunitions for Caliber 45 pistol; 11 wallets containing a total of PhP 4, 106.00 cash; three (3) backpacks, and personal belongings.

Felix Susas Jr. has a standing arrest warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 under Criminal Case No. 19-088-G issued in Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 64 in Guihulngan City and is facing charges of Homicide under Criminal Case No. 13404-40 in RTC Branch 40 in Silay City.

Susas is also facing 2 (two) murder complaints for the death of Renato Estrebillo on August 12, 2022, in Brgy Marcelo, Calatrava and the late Hon. Benjamin Javoc, Barangay Captain of Brgy Lalong, Calatrava, was killed on August 26.

In his message, MGen Benedict M Arevalo, 3ID Commander, lauded the troops for the successful result of the said joint operation and thanked the residents for trusting the government soldiers by reporting sightings of the terrorists who have sown fear in the community.

“We are thankful to the concerned residents and for trusting our troops because, through their reports, we were able to prevent the atrocities and potential harm the CPP-NPA Terrorist might inflict against the people,” MGen Arevalo said.

MGen Arevalo also called on the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to surrender to the government and start a new life, for engaging in this terrorist group has brought nothing but a senseless war and killings that are continuously disrupting the efforts of the people and government.

“We will continue conducting our operations to attain lasting peace and sustainable development in Negros Island. Hence, we urge the remaining CPP-NPA to surrender and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for a peaceful life,” MGen Arevalo added.

(LTC MAGNO M MAPALAD III (INF) GSC PA)