CATARMAN,N. Samar – Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Alberto ‘Bert’ Mendador of the first district here this province is pushing the ‘social integration program that applies to former  rebels wishing to return to the fold of the law
 
In an interview, Medador said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has a ‘solemn duty’ to help and extend assistance to our provincemates, especially those who are actively involved in any of the program that pertains to the peace and order situation of the province.

 Mendador, who chairs the SP committees on public order and safety, woman and family relations and land use, housing and zoning, was joined by his colleagues in SP for unanimously approving on August 10, 2011, an ordinance granting monetary reward to facilitators of voluntary surrender of any member of the communist rebel group operating in Northern Samar.

 The scope of said ordinance states that any person except for members of Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who personally locates, negotiates and facilitates the voluntary surrender of any armed or unarmed member of the communist rebel group operating in the province may avail of a reward such as P10,000 for facilitators of voluntary surrender with firearms while a P5,000 is due as reward for those who facilitates of voluntary-surrender-rebel without firearm.

 The monetary reward will be source out from the general fund of the provincial coffer which was recently signed by Gov. Paul Daza including its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), Mendador explained.

 Mendador, a low-profiled former but medaled police colonel and PNP provincial director here, pointed out that the reward is but just and proper to those facilitators who may face risking his life and incur expenses while negotiating for a rebel’s voluntary surrender. (PETER D. PAREDES)