The provincial government of Bohol , through the Provincial Board, has recognized and given honor “a posthumous commendation for bravery” of Private First Class Elfie Ayuban Igcalinos of the 67th Marine company, Philippine Marines of Malinao Weste, Lila, Bohol. PB unanimously passed Resolution 2009-445, “expressing deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Igcalinos and rendering posthumous tribute for his breavery in protecting the peace and order of our country.”

PB Member Ma. Fe Camacho-Lejos, who chairs the PB Committee on Peace and Order, introduced the resolution as tribute to Igcalinos during its regular session last week presided over by Vice-Governor Julius Caesar Herrera. Aside from this, the PB also is considering pitching support to the Igcalinos family, according to Herrera. This came up after PB member, Lawyer Aster Piollo, brought to her colleagues' attention the suggestion of financial assistance.   “Is it now time we also give financial assistance to the bereaved family aside from the commendation,” Piollo asked her colleagues.

Herrera proposed that each PB member shall chip in P5,000 subject to the budget office's recommendation. “For all of us in this body, it will total to P70,000 and that will be good enough,” Herrera said. Piollo, who also hails from Lila town, said “they (Igacalinos) will be very happy for that” (financial assistance). Igcalinos was reportedly one of the Marines who died in the ambush on August 12 by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan Island. The Marines were pursuing the members of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf bandits in there. (RVO)