BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental released checks worth P996,453.85 for the insurance benefits of the families of 19 barangay officials and tanods who died due to accidental or natural deaths.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the distribution of checks to their families in rites held at the Governor's Office witnessed by village chiefs and Board Member George Gitano, chairman of the committees on human rights, and barangay affairs.

Beneficiaries of a barangay official or tanod who died of accidental death will receive P100,000 while those whose kin died a natural death, P50,000, and a medical reimbursement of a maximum of P5,000 for each.

From the First District, the beneficiaries are Merchie Empinado of Barangay Mechaca and Endrequita Cabalquinto of Barangay Pantao, Calatrava; and Imelda Ape of Barangay Bug-ang and Paterno Ogabang of Barangay Magticol,

Toboso while from the Second District, the children of Sabina Putong of Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City and Remedios Solano of Barangay Maquiling, Sagay City.

Beneficiaries from the Third District are Theresa Cabrera and Maribel Cabrera of Barangay Zone XV and the family of Efren Tina-an of Barangay Bubog, both in Talisay City while from the Fourth District, Joeme Demisana of Barangay Zone 6, Pulupandan; Florita Estrabon of Barangay Pacol, Valladolid; the family of councilman Pepe Tañongon of Barangay San Miguel, La Carlota City; and Nenita Salimbot of Barangay Taloc, Bago City.

Those from the Fifth District are Anamie Lindayao of Barangay 9, Isabela; Lolita Villafranca of Barangay Pilar, Hinigaran; and the family of Armando Pajaro Sr. of Barangay Camalobalo, Hinigaran while from the Sixth District, the family of Franco Montaño of Barangay Agboy, Candoni; Herminio Ceballos of Barangay 1, Sipalay City; Vicenta Estampador of Barangay 9, Kabankalan City; and Mary Ann Sibug of Barangay Magballo, Kabanakalan City.*