BALBALAN, Kalinga(PIA) - - The Sangguniang Bayan through a resolution recognized the Kalinga Returnees Association (KRA)-Balbalan Chapter as a legitimate association in the municipality making it an eligible civil society organization for membership in local councils.

 Vice Mayor Winifredo Agapito said the KRA can now legally transact business with the LGU with regards to their needs for assistance, request for projects or activities they desire to undertake along the path of the maintenance of peace and order and in the pursuit of local development. He particularly offered them membership to the Local Development Council (LDC) which is responsible for the identification and selection of priority socio-economic projects and programs of the municipality including those at the barangay level.
 
“KRA-Balbalan Chapter’s membership to the LDC is the appropriate response of government in order for them to ventilate their grievances and be heard of what they think is best for the people,” Agapito said.

KRA is composed of former New Peoples’ Army members who have rejoined mainstream society.

Lt. Isidro Pacibe, Commanding Officer of the 50th  Infantry Battalion PA Alpha Company,  expressed appreciation on the formation of this association and its formal recognition,  as he reiterated the AFP’s call for  the remaining NPA rebels  to  surrender  and avail  of government’s  livelihood assistance under E-CLIP  and  live normal life.

 
He added that the Army Reserve Command is open to those who want to become army reservists or opt to become CAFGUs in their respective barangays.
 
P/Lt. Anthony Bunoan of Balbalan PNP Station also expressed his unit’s support to the association saying: “We are willing to provide assistance for the betterment of the members”.
 
The KRA-Balbalan Chapter expressed their commitment to be a partner of the LGU in the implementation of its programs and projects. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga with reports from Balbalan Shines)