The number of “post World War II veterans” in Negros Occidental has increased to 5,500 members, after its reorganization three years ago, retired Lt. Col. Levy Juele, provincial coordinator of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, said yesterday.

It is expected to reach 20,000 with the inclusion of the spouses, sons and daughters of the post World War II veterans, Juele said.

The veterans used to be members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the defunct Philippine Constabulary, that was assigned in Negros Occidental at the height of insurgency problem.

With the number of its members continuing to grow, Juele, who is also the vice president of the Bacolod City District Veterans District, asked for help yesterday with the basic health needs of veterans, either in material or financial forms, from local government units.

He said that veterans may only avail of free hospitalization from the government, when they reach the age of 65.

Juele, who used to be Civil Military Operations officer of the defunct Negros Island Command, also welcomed the offer of Leon Moya, a captain of the Judge Advocate General’s Office in the Reserve Force, of their property for use as a housing resettlement area for veterans.

Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Urgelllo, who once served as the Philippine Army chief, was among the guest speakers at the induction of officers of the Bacolod City Veterans District held in Bacolod City.

The newly-elected officers are Jerson Juarez as president, Juele as vice-president. Ramon Carino, secretary, Alberto Ejida treasurer, with Melegildo Sanogal as auditor.

They took their oath office before Bacolod City Councilor Archie Baribar, who represented Mayor Monico Puentevella in the veterans activity. * GPB

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