Gov’t troops grateful for relief efforts of civic organizations in Marawi

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 8): Gov’t troops grateful for relief efforts of civic organizations in Marawi 

“The people gave their overwhelming support to the IDPs and the military. I am lost for words and awed by this gesture of kindness,” said an army officer.

Major Malvin Ligutan, executive officer of the 51st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Barangay Pawak, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur is grateful for the outpouring of support from civic organizations and concerned citizens to help alleviate the plight of displaced families in Marawi City, to include government troops.

In spite of the ongoing clashes and clearing operations of the military, Ligutan said Go Negosyo, a non-profit organization in Manila represented by Joseph Andrew Castillo, and One Love, One Nation, a charitable organization based in Davao City led by Lovely Navarro provided food, clothing and other relief assistance to civilians caught in the web of the Marawi crisis.

According to the military officer, Go Negosyo and One Love, One Nation transported two (2) truckloads of relief goods to Marawi City for residents affected by the armed conflict.

“The relief goods were donated by several individuals and organizations in an effort to extend relief assistance to the calamity victims,” Ligutan said quoting Castillo.

He said the Go Negosyo donated one dump truck of food items consisting of canned goods and bottled mineral water for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) temporarily staying in an evacuation center in Saguiaran town, while the One Love, One Nation donated one dump truck of rice, canned goods, coffee, sugar, and noodles for the Philippine Army.

According to Ligutan, the food items donated by the two organizations helped a lot because they could not anymore buy food in the market due to the ongoing clashes between government troops and the Maute group, and their vehicles are being used for clearing operations.

“Despite the hardships that the military have suffered with the Maute group, the strong support of civilians have gone a long way to help boost the Army’s morale, rescuing civilians and protecting their lives,” Ligutan concluded.

The Philippine Army continues to live up to its commitment, that of “Serving the people, securing the land,” at all times.

 http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371496842971/gov-t-troops-grateful-for-relief-efforts-of-civic-organizations-in-marawi-