ALMOST 900 former rebels have received a total of P8.96-million financial assistance from Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the military officials said Tuesday.
Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said the activity was initiated by the senator on March 4 at Impasugong Gymnasium in Brgy Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
Cordero said the financial aid was distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and in collaboration with different government agencies.
The former rebels usually received financial aid from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a “locally-driven, managed, and implemented program which veers away from the past practice of pre-packaged interventions designed at the national level.
“It’s a financial aid from Sen. Bong Go,” said Cordero.
8IB civil-military operation officer 2nd Lt Camille Bumatay said a total of P8.96 million financial aid was granted and received by 896 former rebels (FRs) who surrendered in Bukidnon.
Bumatay said each of the former rebels received P10,000 cash, grocery pack, face mask and face shield from Sen. Bong Go, one, food pack from DWSD, and assorted seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a raffle draw according to Bumatay, five ex rebels won bicycles, 5 won tablets, and 2 won brand new rubber shoes.
Of the 896 beneficiaries, 374 FRs surrendered to 8IB. A total of 818 actual pay out to the former rebels was accounted as of March 5, 2021.
Former rebels who have not yet claimed their financial aid may still get their assistance within seven (7) days and will be accommodated by DSWD- Bukidnon, according to Bumatay.
The program was graced by DTI ASec. Reveree Niño Contreras, Bukidnon governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, 403rd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ferdinand T Barandon, Bukidnon DSWD Marieta Daayata, Impasugong mayor Anthony A. Uy, representatives TESDA, DA, DOLE) and Lt. Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB).
In a short video clip message of Sen. Bong Go, he extended his gratitude to the former rebels and encouraged everyone to cooperate to overcome the health crisis.
“Atong timan-an kausa ra ta mu labay aning kalibutana. Pagtabang ug kaayohan ang atong buhaton sa atong isig ka tao. Buhaton na nato sa karon kay dili na kita mobalik aning kalibutana,” Go said.
Impasugong mayor (Uy) emphasized in his statement the relentless and full support of the government.
“Sa atong mga kaigsuonan, ayaw kawala og paglaum, kay naay gobyerno nga motabang kaninyo ug dili kamo biyaan. Magbuliga Kuy!,” said Uy.
Like Uy, Zubiri said that many rebels want to set dialogue and surrender to the government. “Let us help those who decided to take the right path, so that we can live peacefully and without fear.”
Talaroc said the government never neglects those who decided to return to the folds of the law.
“Awhaga ang inyong mga kauban kaniadto nga mosurender, ug ipasinati kanila ang wala’y kahumanan nga tabang sa gobyerno nga inyong nasinati sa karon,” said Talaroc.
Meanwhile, Gen. Barandon said to end the armed conflict is the desire of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.
“It is an initiative of our government so that we can all work together with all government agencies, so we can easily achieve peace and development,” said Barandon.
“Daghang salamat sa inyong pagtambong, mao kini ang kagustuhan sa atong mahal na Presidente (Rodrigo Roa Duterte) nga humanon na ang kagubot,” said Barandon. (Ben Balce)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
