Army’s gift-giving, feeding activities benefit former rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 22): Army’s gift-giving, feeding activities benefit former rebels in Bukidnon

Hundreds of former rebels and indigenous people benefited from the two-day gift giving and feeding activities of the 8th Infantry ‘Dependable’ Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (8th INF BN, 4ID, PA) conducted recently in a remote village of Kibongkog in San Fernando and barangay Kalabugao in Impasug-ong town, this province. Lieutenant Col. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commanding Officer, 8th INF BN, 4ID, PA, who facilitated the event, said the gifts were mostly clothing and toys. “It is very heartwarming to see former rebels who enjoyed receiving gifts with their families, especially children,” Cuerpo said. They were also served “chicken arrozcaldo (ginger-flavored rice and chicken delicacy)” while queuing for their turns to receive gifts.

Cuerpo explained that the event is a nationwide approach, which seeks to bring a combined effort among stakeholders to help alleviate poverty and address some root causes of insurgency. “In our efforts to promote army’s commitment to peace and development in relation to “IPSP Bayanihan,” this activity is wholeheartedly offered to the community, especially those living in depressed and affected areas confronted with threats from Section Committee 89 and Guerilla Front 6 of the New People’s Army.  People should know that military operations, force, weapons and guns could not solely solve insurgency. A concerted effort is needed to address problems on poverty, malnutrition, and deprivation in order to achieve lasting peace in the province, Cuerpo said.

Hon. Laurencia Edma, Mayor of San Fernando municipality and Impasug-ong town mayor Hon. Mario Okinlay, expressed gratitude to the 8th INF BN, 4ID, PA team who made every effort to bring such kind of laudable services to their constituents. (1Lt. Froilan T. Bayangos, 8th INF BN, 4ID, PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501356079177