Army intensifies Bayanihan in Maddela remote village

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6): Army intensifies Bayanihan in Maddela remote village

The Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division of the 5th Infantry Battalion has intensified 'Bayanihan' operations to help the local government units in delivering the basic services of the government towards the populace.

 In his report during the first quarter meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting here recently, Lt. Col. Joey A. Escanillas, commanding officer, said Bayanihan teams were deployed in places with sightings of armed groups to thwart any plans to sow terrorism in their areas of responsibility particularly in remote villages of Maddela town.

The Bayanihan teams shall implement projects such as installation of pipeline for water system and construction of stage at Brgy Cabua-an, provision of technical and manpower support in the installation of electricity at Puroks 3 and  4 of Brgy Villa Gracia, youth empowerment activities, among others.

Escanillas further said that armed groups are sighted in Maddela, Quirino; Casiguran, Aurora; Alfonso Castaneda – Maria Aurora area; Baler – San Luis area and Bongabon.

Prior to the deployment of Bayanihan teams, a signing of memorandum of understanding was held among the different stakeholders led by Mayor Renato G Ylanan, Vice Mayor Florante T. Ruiz, chiefs of offices of the local government, national government agencies and barangay chairmen.

In their messages, both Ylanan and Ruiz had signified strong support to the said undertaking saying that it will redound to community development and peace in the municipality.

LTC Escanillas said the remnants of the New People's Army  are expected to exert efforts to stop the deployment of Bayanihan Teams because it will hamper their Ideological Political Organizing  works, extortion activities and recovery efforts but they will continue to conduct Bayanihan activities in Quirino to help the LGUs/LGAs in delivering the basic services of the government towards the populace.

He further said the armed groups will continue to look for exploitable issues to agitate the constituents of the remote barangays in order to gain sympathy and to recruit members.

LTC Escanillas has stressed  the importance of increased involvement of stakeholders, the national and local government agencies, non-government entities and the entire citizenry in addressing peace and security concerns.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/451428278488/army-intensifies-bayanihan-in-maddela-remote-village