• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government extended P1.45 million in financial assistance and insurance benefit claims to former rebels as well as barangay officials, tanods and health workers on Wednesday (Aug. 20).
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, assisted by Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Provincial Planning and Development Office head Ana Marie Lucasan, led the awarding of assistance in a joint ceremony held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
Of the 44 recipients, 25 are former rebels.
A total of P390,000 in cash aid were distributed to the former rebels for their six-month transportation allowance aside from the financial and livelihood assistance they received from the provincial government.
Families of the 19 barangay officials, tanods and health workers, who passed away in natural death and accidents, received amounts ranging from P50,000 to P55,000 each, with a total insurance claims of P1.06 million.
Dumosmog lauded the Negros Occidental provincial government for its continued support to former rebels, who have returned to the mainstream society. | GB
