LUNA, Apayao – During the Balik-Loob Program and Awarding of Incentives to former rebels or rebels who have surrendered to authorities, 4 million pesos was given to 6 former communists and 1 informant.
PhP500,000 each were given to the former rebels as a reward and means for them to start an income generating livelihood as they start to reintegrate in the society, while PhP1,000,000 was given to the informant that led to the neutralization of an NPA combatant in Atok, Flora last month.
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr., Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang and Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. of Apayao led the ceremony at Bienvenido G. Verzola Jr. Memorial Gymnasium on November 22, 2023.
The programs aimed at ending communism in localities are under the Celebrating Oneness, Progress, and Unrelenting Nationalism (COPUN) which intends to foster peace and order not only in the province of Apayao, but throughout the country.
Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, as well as NOLCOM Commander LtGen. Fernyl Buca, AFP officials, different national line agencies, department heads of the provincial government, barangay officials and other stakeholders were also present in the said event.
The monetary reward provided by the provincial government is in accordance to its Executive Order 22-2022, which allots cash assistance offered under the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program while also helping to preserve peace and order.
The province is hoping that under the DND Secretary’s leadership, the law enforcers would be more inspired to do their part and that unity and peace in the entire nation will translate to equitable progress. By PIO Apayao