LUNA, Apayao – Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. extended a warm welcome to the 17th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army, which recently transferred from Cagayan to Apayao, during the battalion’s 52nd Founding Anniversary celebration on October 28 at the Apayao Eco Tourism and Sports Complex.
In his address, Gov. Bulut noted the group’s longstanding role in the province’s security and recognized their improved presence as a treasured asset in Apayao’s ongoing peace efforts.
“As an advocate of peace and development, every endeavor of the Philippine Army ay welcome sa atin at tumutulong talaga tayo personally,” he said as he expressed his gratitude for their important role in Apayao stability. “Malaking bagay ang presence ng kasundaluhan sa ating probinsiya,” he added.
Bulut reflected on Apayao’s status as insurgency-free since 2009, which led to the withdrawal of military detachments. Yet, he acknowledged the complexities involved for local government units (LGUs) in maintaining peace without military support.
“May mga attempts sila [CPP-NPA] na bumalik, pero we are very thankful that the AFP now brought back battalions dito sa Apayao,” he said while recognizing the enhanced security and socio-economic stability the military presence brings.
Bulut also specifically pointed to the economic influence of stationed battalions like the presence of 98th IB in Kabugao town.
“Ang sabi ko sa 98th IB, and I really fought for this, huwag sanang tanggalin ang 98th IB sa Kabugao kasi hindi lang naman gyera ang gusto ko. Ang isang battalion ng kasundaluhan can revive the economy of a community,” he explained. “Kapag sila ang bumili ng produkto ng mga taga Kabugao, it might be one of the reasons kung bakit gaganda ang buhay ng mga kababayan naming. Kaya ngayon buhay na buhay ang market ng Kabugao,” he added.
The governor then emphasized that military presence does more than maintain peace; it stimulates local economies and supports the province’s marginalized communities.
The governor likewise pledged continued support for the military mission and said that the provincial government remains true to its commitment to prevent the resurgence of insurgency. ‘We will continue to our support to the AFP. This is part of my commitment to our people not to allow communism in the province,” he said.
“Sama-sama parin tayo na makipaglaban sa mga rebelde. Huwag lang basta patayan. Para sa akin, just give what is due to the people, that is already a success para sa fight natin sa insurgency,” the governor concluded. By Jess Christley Marquez
