IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – A total of 20 Former Rebels (FR) who surrendered to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB), Philippine Army received cash assistance from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Impasugong this June 23, 2021 at the Headquarters 8IB of this municipality.
The program was attended by Mayor Anthony A. Uy of Impasugong, Ms. Lovely A. Antivo from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), other Sanguniang Bayan members, Maj. Lemuel Bacarro, Executive Officer, 8IB, 1LT Abigail Lorenzo, CMO Officer, 8IB.
The said FRs each received PhP4,500 financial assistance and food packs from the local government.
Armando Daluniag @Ambo, former Commander, HQF Neo, NCMRC expressed his gratitude, “Nalipay kami nga mga kanhing NPA tungod sa tabang nga gihatag sa lokal nga gobyerno kanamo. Ako nang natagamtaman ang maayong kinabuhi dihang mibalik ko sa sabakan sa gobyerno sukwahi sa una nga bisan asa nga komunidad nga adtuan sa NPA mahimong gubot ang kinabuhi.” (We, the former NPAs, are grateful because of the assistance given to us by the local government. I am now experiencing a peaceful life after returning to the folds of the law unlike before where the lives and communities reached by the NPA became chaotic.)
Mayor Uy said, “Ang gobyerno motabang sa tanan ug kini dili mamili kinsa lang ang makadawat. Bisan pa man nga sa una nalahi mo og dalan apan karon naa namo sa husto nga dalan padulong sa kalinaw ug kalambuan ug dawaton ug tabangan kamo sa gobyerno.” (The government will help everyone and will not discriminate anyone. Even if you were on the wrong path before, now you are on the right track towards peace and development, and we are here to accept and assist you.)
LTC Edgardo Talaroc Jr, Commander 8IB, thankfully said, “Dili kini ang labing unang higayon nga mihatag og tabang pinansyal ug pagkaon alang sa mga kanhing rebelde ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Impasugong. Kaming mga sundalo dako ang pasalamat sa kanunay ug walay puas nga suporta nga ginahatag ni Mayor Uy. Kini usa ka dakong pagpamatuod nga ang gobyerno tabangan ang mga kanhing myembro sa Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) aron nga makaangkon sila og hapsay nga kinabuhi kauban ang ilang pamilya.” (This is not the first time that the local government of Impasugong extended its hand in helping the former rebels by giving cash assistance and food packs. We are very grateful for the untiring and continuous support of Mayor Uy. This is a proof that the government will help former Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) members in order for them to have a peaceful life together with their family.)
