AFP pursues welfare programs for IPs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 2): AFP pursues welfare programs for IPs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has established government welfare programs for the most vulnerable sectors of society, according to Capt. Frank Suelto, chief of the 1st Tabak division’s Public Affairs Office.

Representing BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. in a press conference held at the conference room, Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPO) here, Suelto disclosed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now attending to the indigenous peoples (IPs) within Tabak’s area of jurisdiction.

He said the AFP had established an IP desk in the line units particularly at the Civil Military Operation (CMO) to assist the IPs.

“We have implemented the cultural sensitivity program. In the program, we conduct orientation, seminar-workshop to our soldiers who are socially immersed in the Subanen community to respect the right to self-determination and to respect their cultural integrity as well,” Suelto explained.

“Our soldiers assigned in the remote areas have provided the IPs basic services through medical civic action program (MEDCAP),” he added.

The AFP has fully supported the implementation of Republic Act 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.

Meanwhile, Suelto said many of the rebel returnees who are IPs have availed themselves of the AFP’s Comprehensive Livelihood Program (CLIP) through the “Guns for Peace,” giving cash incentives to members of the New People’s Army who would voluntarily surrender to the government along with their firearms in exchange for livelihood programs.

The press conference was one of the lined up activities during the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration starting Nov. 27-Dec. 3 organized by the Interfaith Forum for Peace and Solidarity.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371417485525/afp-pursues-welfare-programs-for-ips