MARAMAG, Bukidnon, A total of 896 Former Rebels (FRs) coming from Bukidnon received financial assistance from Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the DTI, DA, TESDA, DOLE and 403rd Infantry (Peace Maker) Brigade, the said assistance released was successfully held at the Municipal Gymnasium of Impasugong, Bukidnon on 04 March 2021.
Out of the 896 beneficiaries, 191 surrendered to 88IB, these Former Rebels come from the municipalities of San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Quezon, Maramag and Valencia City.
Present during the said activity were Hon Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr, Provincial Governor of Bukidnon with ASec Reveree Niño Contreras from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Brigadier General Ferdinand T Barandon PA, Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade, Mrs Marieta Daayata Social Worker and Administrative Team Leader, DSWD-Bukidnon, Mr Larry Paraluman, representative from the Department of Agriculture-10, Hon Anthony A. Uy, Municipal Mayor of Impasugong, representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Notable from the beneficiaries were the former front secretary of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 6 of SRC2, NCMRC, @JAMBY and her husband @WAR who was the former CO of Front Operational Command (FOC, GF6).
According to the couple @JAMBY and @WAR, Dako kaayu ang among pagpasalamat sa financial nga assistance nga among nadawatan, daku kaayo nig makatabang sa amo ug sa among pamilya, ingun man usab sa among mga kauban nga mga naka dawat aning ayuda sa atong gobyerno, salamat kaayo sa inyuhang gihatag nga pagsuporta ug sa paghatag ug tabang kanamo ug kami, kanhing mga taas nga leader sa sayup nga pagtuo sa kalihukan nanawagan sa among mga kanhing mga kauban sauna nga nagpabilin pa gihapon nga unta manurender namo aron mahisama mo kanamo nga naa sa sabakan sa gobyerno malipayun ug gawasnon.
LTC Christian James P Vingno INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 88IB, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to partner government agencies. “Thank you for being our partner in winning the peace and bringing the government closer to the people, especially to our FRs who became victims of the wrong ideology of the communist terrorists, your assistance will greatly contribute on their new endeavors in re-joining the mainstream society.”
BGen Ferdinand T Barandon, 403rd Brigade Commander also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the FR beneficiaries and partner government agencies. “This is the desire of our dear President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end the local communist armed conflict, let us unite all the government efforts in attaining peace and inclusive development in the Province of Bukidnon”.
