Abra veterans’ monthly pension suspended

BANGUED, Abra --- Though old and gray, veterans are never remiss from their social obligations, said Veterans Federation of the Philippines regional president Darlito Dumlao, thus their concerns must be addressed by government..

He  cited the  VFP-Abra District especially post commanders of Bucay, Manabo, Penarubbia, Lagangilang, Dolores, La Paz, Bangued and Pidigan for actively giving him feedbacks from veterans in the said areas.

One problem faced by Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) pensioners in Abra was suspension of their monthly pension due to failure to  submit  their Pensioners Update Form (PUF) as primary requirement.

“PUF should be filed every year at PVAO. The pensioners should submit PUF a month before their birthday. This way, PVAO would verify that they are still alive,” said Dumlao who is from Pidigan, Abra.

Hopefully, their accounts would be reactivated sooner, he said.

Dumlao said he requested the national headquarters to confer World War II living veterans in Abra  the recognition they deserve. “They have fought for this country. It’s time to give back to these heroes.” he stressed.

He said he also proposed wheelchairs, crutches and canes especially for those who have gone weak over the years.

Meanwhile, Dumlaoannounced  that the  VFP  regional assembly of district presidents all over the Cordillera Region  is set this November in Baguio City with National President Col. Emmanuelle de Ocampo as guest of honor. PVAO Administrator Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina was also invited in the event. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso