Rebel returnees may get double for “balik-baril”

WHILE the government is finalizing the steps to forge a peace accord with rebels in Mindanao , Bohol local military command also attempts to get to those whose lives in the hills have become dangerously hard.

Military command here now offers double payback for surrendered arms. It simply means, a rebel returnee who brings back an armalite rifle can get P35T compared to P16T earlier offered. Then, returnee, also turns his back to a dangerous life in the mountain lairs.

The cash assistance forms the seed money for livelihood to those who would be starting their lives anew, said 302nd Brigade Commander Arthur Tabaquero. The move is also in compliance with the army circular no. 8 otherwise known as the Balik Baril and Gain Improved livelihood Program.

Returnees who are able to surrender imported short arms could get as much as P16T for .357 Magnum, .45 pistol, .9mm down to P4T for homemade shotguns. For high-powered firearms, a Caliber .30 M60 Machine gun fetches P60T and so will a mortar recoilless rifle, AR16 with grenade launcher and a rocket-propelled grenade. Armalites, caliber 7.62 and galil rifles earn P35T while an AK47 earns P36, double the amount it fetches in 1992 when the Department of National Defense circular came out. A garand fetches P8T while a Springfield , Enfield and Japanese rifle now bears a P4T tag.

Those interested to yield or have relatives who are contemplating to may see any barangay official, priest, pastor so they can be the liaison to the military. After final arrangements can be made, returnee can now meet his military controller so livelihood assistance may be granted.

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