MILF REBEL RETURNEES AVAIL OF BALIK BARIL PROGRAM

Tubod, Lanao del Norte-One of the highlights of the 9th Founding Anniversary of the 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade which is under the able leadership of Col Benito Antonio T de Leon, is the Balik Baril Program extended to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel returnees namely Aliman B. Macapudi @ Aliman, Mamay B. Itawa @ Mark, Jamael D. Mabantog @ Jimmy, Mabaning A. Lucsadato, Acmad A. Lucsadato, Hadji Ali B. Gandamatu, Saidonah Lucsadato, Saipudin Lucsadato, Aratok K. Lucsadato and Walid A. Lucsadato who are also entitled to various benefits of herein mentioned program and that coming from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte as well as from the national Government through the Department of National Defense and scholarships under TESDA. Surrendered firearms, whether under serviceable condition or not, are equated with corresponding cash values ranging from P30,000 to P200 depending also on its type. The abovementioned 10 MILF rebel returnees surrendered on April 20 of this year. As for the Provincial Government, the Agriculture office already distributed assorted high value vegetable seeds and white corn for crop planting in order to promote livelihood and generate income last July 4 during the culmination of the 50th Araw ng Lanao del Norte. Meanwhile, the Social Welfare and Development office has also implemented Cash-for-Work Programs, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), awarded core shelters, cash incentives and other benefits which will help the rebel returnees rebuild their normal lives as an integral part of the community. On the other hand, 155 Scholarship Grants under the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program for the defectors and their children were awarded through TESDA. The 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade indeed stand up to its efforts to be an indispensable proponent in achieving peace and order stability in the province and nearby Iligan City which will pave the way for economic progress and social development.