Ex-Kalinga rebs top help gov’t In peace-keeping

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- Municipal chapters of the Kalinga Returnees Association (KRA) in at least three towns are now organized to help government achieve peace.

Department of the Interior and Local Government provincial  director Max Mayer Adong said  officers  of  the returnees  associations of  Balbalan, Pasil and Tinglayan recentlytook their oath before  their  respective mayors.

Adong said the KRA was first organized with Marcelino Velasco Ibana as its president, and   is accredited as a civil society organization by the Sagguniang Panlalawigan.

He said returnees associations will be closely guided in order for them to become strong partner in ending insurgency in the province.

KRA members and those in the municipalities have already received their benefits under the Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program. 

Papers of two former rebels are on process and upon approval will make them eligible to get their benefits

Velasco said they accepted the offer of government for their integration to mainstream society seeing the sincerity of the Duterte administration.

“Now that we are recognized by the government, we have to also respond by helping government in its efforts to unite the country towards achieving a common goal,” he said.
              KRA members through its president wrote President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for financial assistance to finance their projects and activities.

Meanwhile, Adong informed an operation center will be opened at their office to synchronize activities of End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Task Force members. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)