Friday, January 18, 2008
Ex-rebels avail of 'balik-baril'
EIGHT rebel returnees who returned to the folds of law and surrendered their firearms availed of government's Balik-Baril Program.
In Thursday's AFP-PNP Press Corps, the military awarded to the eight rebel returnees checks ranging from P3,000 to P18,000.
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Brig. Gen. Antonio Amodia, deputy commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said the rebel returnees would be provided with the necessary assistance to start anew with their lives.
"I encourage the other rebels to surrender and start new lives. The government has provided a lot of opportunities for them," Amodia said.
Some of the benefits provided by the government for the rebel returnees are housing incentives, livelihood programs, and monetary equivalent for their surrendered firearms.
Those who surrendered came from various parts of Southern Mindanao. They are identified as Bustamante Ortiz, 45, of Laak, Compostela Valley; Hanibal Mante, 19, and Rudy Calibay, 33, both of Malita, Davao del Sur.
While Laide Malinao, 30; Dionisio Mayo, 20; David Cabca, 35; Diego Tuco, 35; and Loloy Mayo, 25, are all from Sarangani.
The rebel returnees are now in the custody of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Malapatan, Sarangani and in the 60th Infantry Battalion in Asuncion, Davao del Norte. (CPM)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 18, 2008 issue)
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