Soldiers cheer NPA families and Mangyans

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 25): Soldiers cheer NPA families and Mangyans

Soldiers assigned on Mindoro Island spent their “time-out” from fighting insurgents this Yuletide season by distributing “Noche Buena” or “Christmas midnight feast” food packs to families and relatives of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and the Mangyan tribe.

The military’s Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) said the three-day activity which started last Tuesday was led by 1st Lieutenant June Matugas, who topped her military uniform with a Santa Claus hat.

“We were able to visit and render Christmas carols to 20 families who have members or relatives in the NPA,” said 1Lt. Matugas.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, SOLCOM spokesman, said 1Lt. Matugas’ group not only distributed gifts but performed Christmas carols for the community known to be providing support to the NPA.

A mother, Matugas said, had told her how she misses her son who is fighting in the NPA and wishes he would join the fold of the law.

“These activities aim to somehow uplift their morale and spirit this Yuletide season. We know they miss their husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters who are now in the mountains. We hope to ease their worry and add to their Christmas cheer,” said Lt. Col. Ariel Mabagos, commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion.

http://www.mb.com.ph/soldiers-cheer-npa-families-and-mangyans/