COMMUNITY DIALOGUE. Mayor Reynante Inocando of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon (standing, center) holds a dialogue with villagers and their children in Sitio Calapacan, Barangay Canangaan on Sunday (Nov. 10, 2019). The mayor reminded his constituents of the importance of education in keeping their children away from possible recruitment of communist rebels. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion)
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- The Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and local officials of Cabanglasan held a dialogue with families deemed vulnerable to recruitment by the communist rebels over the weekend.
In a statement on Monday, 8IB said Sunday's dialogue in Sitio Calacapan, Barangay Canangaan, aims to raise awareness on the recruitment activities of the New People's Army among young people in the village.
8IB said some 50 children in the village were considered vulnerable to NPA recruitment and the dialogue with both parents and children sought to promote the rights of the children and the importance of education.
According to the military in the area, Sitio Calacapan is being used by communist rebels as supply route and resting area.
During the dialogue, Mayor Reynante Inocando stressed the importance of education especially among the children of the Indigenous Peoples in the village.
“You all have the right to attend school. There are many IPs who have already graduated and are performing well. I want you to be one of them someday," Inocando said.
Inocando also told the villagers of the importance of military presence in the community.
“They are our soldiers and our defenders from any threats. Do not be scared because they are here to protect us," he said.
Meanwhile, 8IB officials also discussed the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government for rebels who want to surrender and start new lives.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085638
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.