Peace and dev't teams to avoid using brgy halls as temp base

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 30): Peace and dev't teams to avoid using brgy halls as temp base

A top military commander has ordered peace and development teams (PDT) in the countryside to avoid using government buildings as temporary base while conducting reaching out activities. Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division issued the policy in lieu of the attack on soldiers stationed in a barangay hall in Barangay Calabcab, Maco, Compostela Valley noon of October 21 which left seven soldiers and two civilians wounded and two rebels killed. Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th ID said with this policy, peace and development teams must camp out of the communities to ensure the safety of the soldiers and foremost, the safety of residents in the event rebels launch harassment. He said the peace and development effort must continue so that government will not lose its momentum in reaching out and helping communities ventilate the issues affecting them at the same time come up with long solutions that will impact on their lives and the lasting peace in their community. Paniza underscored that the objective of the PDTs is no longer to search and engage armed men but to build communities. “We will continue to engage the communities since it is our mandate to serve, protect and facilitate livelihood opportunities for the residents especially in far-flung areas,” he said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381351476162