Army healing sessions with MNLF dependents mark Mindanao Week of Peace 2013

From the Manila Times (Dec 9): Army healing sessions with MNLF dependents mark Mindanao Week of Peace 2013

In line with the government’s peace and conciliation efforts, the 104th Infantry Brigade together with the NAGDILAAB Foundation and other stakeholders have conducted a dialogue and healing session with dependents of Moro National Liberation Front–Misuari Group (MNLF-MG) members in Lamitan City, Basilan last December 4.

In a report, Col. Carlito G. Galvez, 104th Infantry Brigade commander, said the initiative in Barangay Parangbasak, Lamitan City is in sync with the Celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace 2013 themed, “Dialogue and Hope: Our Key to Peace, Heal our Land.”

This has the goal of reaching out to the dependents of MNLF-MG who participated in the siege of Zamboanga City last September.

“With the help of our partners, we were able to distribute food and cash assistance to the dependents.” Galvez said.

“The families with great resentment against the military are beginning to open-up and approach and embrace the military and police as a sign of their gesture of appreciation to the dialogue and healing activity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr., 1st Infantry Division commander, ordered the dissemination of the activity to reach out the dependents of other MNLF-MG members in other areas.

“Only thru this effort that the MNLF-MG dependents understand what happened in Zamboanga City that took the lives of their loved ones. By acting in their predicaments, we will foster the spirit of Bayanihan, for the people and for the achievement of long lasting peace in this part of the Philippines,” he said.

http://manilatimes.net/army-healing-sessions-with-mnlf-dependents-mark-mindanao-week-of-peace-2013/59096/