President Duterte has granted financial support to the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit personnel in appreciation of their contribution in addressing the country’s security threats.
Under Executive Order No. 69, qualified CAFGU Active Auxiliary units will each be given P7,000 per month covering the months of November and December 2018.
The order, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of the President last Dec. 4, recognized that the CAA units support the Armed Forces of the Philippines by providing vital military intelligence, joining traditional and non-traditional military operations, securing conflict-affected commutes, and acting as first responders during natural disasters.
“There is a need to provide financial support to members of the CAA units in recognition of the invaluable assistance they provide to the AFP in dealing with security threats, their indispensable service in maintain local peace and order and meeting local insurgencies, and the faithful performance of their duties which they carry out at great risk to themselves and their families,” Duterte said.
CAFGU, created in 1987 through EO No. 264, is mandated to complement and support the military in dealing with internal and external security threats.
EO 69 stated that only duly-appointed CAA members appearing in the roster of the AFP shall be entitled to the financial support. Funds for financial aid would be sourced from this year’s contingent fund.
The government is eyeing the possibility of providing monthly financial support to CAFGU units.
For the succeeding years, the President has directed the Department of Budget and Management to study and propose measures to extend financial support to CAA members on a monthly basis. The Budget department has also been asked to identify funding sources for such financial support subject to the country’s budgeting and auditing rules and regulations.
The latest order of the President takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
