KABUGAO, Apayao – Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. made a direct appeal to remaining communist rebels to return to the fold of the law during the “Balik-Loob” Program held April 22 at the Old Capitol Grounds in Barangay Poblacion.
“Ang sabi natin sa Apayao ay cleared na tayo sa CPP-NPA, but we still have pockets of insurgency,” the governor said, referring to the areas along the borders of Abra, Kalinga, and Apayao still facing security concerns.
Gov. Bulut emphasized that the provincial government remains committed to peaceful resolution through Executive Order No. 22, which launched the program Celebrating Oneness, Progress, and Unrelenting Nationalism (COPUN).
“We launched COPUN because I believe that war cannot truly bring peace to our communities,” he said. “Hindi pwedeng lagi na lang magpatayan, maghabulan. Nobody really wins even our soldiers. Kahit ma-accomplish nila ang mission nila, they do not really win, because at the end of the day, mga Pilipino din ’yan kadugo, kamag-anak natin.”
The governor then turned his message toward rebel members still in hiding. “Kapag istorbo na sa development, we have to act,” he warned. “I do not want our beloved province to be disturbed again. Ta naggapu tayun iti kastoy nga sitwasyon, ti rigat ti biag. Now that our government is truly pushing for development in the province, anya pay ba ti biruken tayo?”
“Ano bang gusto ng mga rebelde — mamatay o magsurrender?” he asked. “Encourage your remaining comrades to surrender. Adda iti 500,000 yu. We have been monitoring the lives of those who already surrendered — ang ganda na ng buhay nila.”
Two former rebels were formally presented during the activity. Each received PhP500,000 in reintegration assistance from the provincial government. “Today, we are handing over incentives to our former rebels. Tapnu dagituy sundalo tayo handa agkamkamaten, agsurrender da laengen,” Gov. Bulut added.
He also reminded the AFP and security forces to carefully vet and verify the identities of those surrendering. “All you have to do is facilitate and interrogate the IMO para sigurado tayo na rebelde talaga yung binibigyan natin.”
Bulut closed his remarks by assuring the public that the current administration is different. “Isu ti gobyerno tay tatta ket haan nga kasla idi. Ti gobyerno tay tatta ket naanus, natulong. Tulungan nan ti umnu nga matulungan. I-support tayo iti pagbiyagan dagiti naistorbo iti gubat.”
Finally, he thanked the 98th Infantry Battalion for their continued sacrifice and commitment. “I thank the leadership of Col. Balasi and the soldiers who are here. Ang dami niyong sakripisyo. We truly thank each one of you,” he said.
“Dakkel nga tulong yu tapnu iti kasta, we will sustain the development of our province. Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga kasundaluhan sa inyong effort to provide security and maintain peace and order in our province, particularly here in Kabugao,” he concluded. By Loremia Pareja
