Army targets 81 Red-infested villages

From Panay News (Nov 12, 2020): Army targets 81 Red-infested villages (By Ruby Silubrico)

The Armed Forces of the Philippine aims to clear 81 rebel-infested barangays across Western Visayas by 2021.

“We are really serious in cleansing these affected villages,” said Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Of the 81 villages, Pancito said 47 are in Panay Island and 34 are in Negros Occidental.

He declined to identify the barangays but he said these were far-flung.

Western Visayas is made up of 4,051 barangays.

Pancito said the 3ID continues to deploy all its community support program teams as primary tool in clearing villages with a strong presence of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

According to Pancito, a barangay can be deemed “cleared” of insurgents if there are no more communist-terrorist groups in it.

“There are still seven [New People’s Army] fronts operating in the region including two in Panay, the Southern and Central Fronts,” said Pancito.

The Southern Front covers the 1st District of Iloilo and some portions of Antique while the Central Front covers the 3rd District of Iloilo and some portions of Tapaz, Capiz.

“Actually, there are three guerilla fronts in Panay – the South East Front – operating in the towns of Sara and Ajuy, but it was dismantled. If the front has only 15 members, they could not continue operating. They thus join other fronts,” Pancito said.

Meanwhile, the rebel fronts in Negros Island are the North Negros Front, Central Negros Front 1 and 2, South West Front, and South East Front.

According to Pancito, the communist insurgency is an “immediate” political security threat that must be resolved in the last two years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

The Army official disclosed the national government’s plan to give P20 million to each barangay cleared of rebels and P1.5 million to threatened-barangays.

This financial assistance is under the P16-billion “Barangay Development Program” of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“Our people deserve a better country free from the terroristic activities of these rebels,” Pancido said.

https://www.panaynews.net/army-targets-81-red-infested-villages/

ReCAAP Reports Nine Incidents of Piracy And Armed Robbery Against Ships In Asia During October

Posted to Hellenic Shipping News (Nov 12, 2020): ReCAAP Reports Nine Incidents of Piracy And Armed Robbery Against Ships In Asia During October

In October 2020, nine incidents of armed robbery against ships¹ were reported in Asia. No piracy² incident was reported. With these incidents, the total number of incidents from January to October 2020 was 84 incidents, which represents an increase of35% compared to the same period of 2019 (62 incidents).

The ReCAAP ISC is concerned with the overall increase of incidents in Asia, and particularly with the continued occurrence of incidents (robberies and thefts) in the Singapore Strait. Six incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait in October 2020. With these, a total of 28 incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait during January-October 2020 comprising 24 incidents occurred in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), two incidents in the precautionary area, one incident in the westbound lane of the TSS and one incident just outside (south) of the TSS.

There was no report of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah, Malaysia in October 2020. However, the abduction of crew for ransom remains a serious concern as demonstrated by the Warning issued on 2 July by the ReCAAP ISC on a planned abduction of crew by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and a kidnap-for-ransom plan of ASG members thwarted by the Joint Task Force of Sulu on3 November

OCTOBER 2020
NUMBER OF INCIDENTS



In October 2020, nine incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia. All incidents were actual incidents³. No attempted incident⁴ was reported. All incidents have been verified and reported to the ReCAAP ISC by ReCAAP Focal Points. Refer to the Appendix for the ‘Description of incidents (October 2020)’ on pages 23-27.

Source: ReCAAP

https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/recaap-reports-nine-incidents-of-piracy-and-armed-robbery-against-ships-in-asia-during-october/

AFP bares CPP-NPA’s recruitment modus

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 10, 2020): AFP bares CPP-NPA’s recruitment modus (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)

AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay (FILE PHOTO)

CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) --The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) took to the Senate its genuine concern for celebrities and vulnerable sectors that might be taken advantage of by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay wanted to raise the public’s awareness about the CPP-NPA’s modus of capitalizing on and exploiting the idealism of youth, students and celebrities who have the capability to influence people.

It is in line with the military’s peace and development campaign to shield and protect the people, institutions, and vulnerable sectors from the recruitment of communist terrorist groups (CTG).

Senate Resolution No. 559 directed the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of red-tagging/red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations.

General Gapay was one of the resource persons in the public hearing on Wednesday, initiated by Senator Panfilo Lacson at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City. Also present were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Commander of AFP Southern Luzon Command Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. Attorney Maneeka Asistol Sarza on the other hand represented the Makabayan Bloc.

The Defense and Security officials set the record that there was no red-tagging on their side and that the term was created by the CPP-NPA themselves who acknowledged that Gabriela and other legal front organizations are part of their party building.

In previous statements, General Gapay said that the military on many occasions, have encountered in combat operations students who are affiliated with front organizations of the CPP-NPA like Gabriela and others. They started as members of these organizations and eventually joined the armed formation of the NPA to become cadres. Many of them unfortunately died in operations.

One of the resource persons in the senate hearing was former communist rebel Jeffrey Celiz once called “Ka Eric” by his CPP comrades. He attested to the CPP-NPA’s recruitment of minors and also confirmed that there were incidents when the vulnerability of the minors was abused by members of the communist organization.

Other former rebels were virtually present to speak up about their experiences in the communist organization. They told the senate committee that they were recruited by the CPP-NPA at a young age through progressive student organizations. They eventually became key officers who led movements by the CPP’s front organizations before returning to the fold of the government.

Meanwhile, the AFP as part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) continues to conduct peace and development projects in partnership with other government agencies to prevent recruitment and concentration of communist terrorists in vulnerable areas.

The AFP as the protector of the people and the state will continue its advocacy to put a stop to the deceitful ways of the CPP-NPA and their front organizations. Beyond its conduct of focused military operations, the military is proactively seeking solutions through continuous dialogues with local leaders, government agencies, and non-government organizations. This is to ensure that the rights of the Filipino people are protected from exploitation and violence perpetrated by the CPP-NPA and its front organizations. (PAO AFP/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058561

46 newly-surrendered UGMO members to receive aid from the government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): 46 newly-surrendered UGMO members to receive aid from the government (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Nov. 9 (PIA) - - Forty-six newly-surrendered members of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO) in Ilocos provinces will receive livelihood assistance from the different government agencies.

According to the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson Major Rogelio Dumbrigue, all government agencies involved in the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) had readied the assistance for distribution to the surrendered UGMO members through a series of “serbisyo caravan.”

These benefits include cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), livelihood and skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), packages of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), farm equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA), and many more.

The UGMO members are reportedly supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a particular community all over the country.

Of the 46 surrendered UGMO members, 12 are residents of Burgos; 30 from Narvacan; two from Quirino; all from the provinces of Ilocos Sur and two from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

The 12 surrendered UGMO in Burgos, Ilocos Sur have formally taken their oath of allegiance to the government on November 5, 2020, with the presence of the members of the Municipal Task Force-ELCAC of Burgos town headed by Mayor Nathaniel D. Escobar.

The 30 surrendered NPA supporters in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur have taken their allegiance to the government on November 6, 2020.

Meanwhile, the two NPA supporters in Quirino, Ilocos Sur have surrendered to the authorities on November 4, 2020. They were identified as Romeo Valdez Mangay-ayam aka “Bawang”, 62, and Benigno Ig-an Diyan Sr., 64, both residents of Barangay Patungcaleo, Quirino, Ilocos Sur. The two surrendered NPA supporters were recruiters/founders/officers of the Save Quirino Movement under the umbrella of Cordillera People’s Alliance.

Dumbrigue said these 44 UGMO members surrendered to the operatives of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion with the assistance of the local task force of ELCAC.

Earlier, Alexander Pagdilao Sr, 60, and his wife, Flordeliza Pagdilao @ AKA Liza, 53, have surrendered to the joint operatives of the army’s 24th Infantry Battalion and the police in Ilocos Norte. Both were listed as supporters and members of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya- Southern Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) of the NPA.

Dumbrigue said the couple is now under the custody of the army for inquiry. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058497

'Project PAGSIBOL' to benefit residents of former NPA lair in Isabela

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): 'Project PAGSIBOL' to benefit residents of former NPA lair in Isabela (By Merlito G. Edale) 

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, Nov. 9 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office here will be implementing its “Project PAGSIBOL” or Partnership Among Government Agencies for Skills Training Intervention and Better Opportunities for Livelihood” worth Php1.3 million.

TESDA Isabela head Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr. said the project will benefit the residents of barangay Dibuluan in San Mariano, Isabela, an interior former NPA-controlled village in the town.

He said the amount will be used in the conduct of a training on organic agriculture production NC II to benefit the farmers, Indigenous Peoples, special clients, out of school youth and OFWs who are residing at the said barangay.

“We want to provide skills and knowledge on organic agricultural production to the people in the barangay, create income generation opportunities, alleviate poverty, and provide assistance to threatened and influenced members of the society and encourage them to become productive,” Anduyan said.

Anduyan said the training will be conducted in three batches with 25 persons per batch until all will finish the trainings.

He said health and safety protocols will be properly observed to ensure that no one among the trainers and the trainees will be infected with COVID -19.

The TESDA Isabela official said the project will be launched within this month at barangay Dibuluan as he urged all government agencies to join during the launching hoping that TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña. (MDCT/MGE/PIA 2-Isabela)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058437

33 former rebels receive livelihood grant from DSWD-2

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): 33 former rebels receive livelihood grant from DSWD-2 (By Merlito G. Edale and 5th Infantry Battalion)

The Sustainable Livelihood Program FO2 led the awarding of Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) to 33 Former Rebels (FRs) from Isabela province through its Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Lucia S. Alan, Promotive Services Division Chief Pasencia T. Ancheta and Regional Program Coordinator Noel T. Domingo.

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, Nov. 9 (PIA) - At least 33 Former Rebels from Isabela received Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) amounting to P660,000.

The awarding of financial assistance was held at the Capitol Amphitheater attended by DSWD - 2 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Lucia Alan and representatives from the Department of the Interior and local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Provincial Government of Isabela and 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

Alan said the DSWD and other government agencies converged to give the necessary benefits to former rebels and those still active in the member who wish to surrender and return to the folds of law.

“Sa ating mga kababayang napili na benepisyaryo ng proyektong ito, nawa’y pagyamanin ninyo at payabungin ang munting tulong na ibinahagi ng gobyerno. Sa pamamagitan ng dasal at positibong pananaw sa buhay, makakamit din nating lahat ang kaunlaran at kapayapaan na matagal na nating inaasam-asam”, she said.

Each former rebel received P20,000 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program of DSWD and relief packs from the Provincial Government of Isabela.

Of the 33 FRs, 26 came from the municipality of San Mariano, three from the municipality of Jones, three from the municipality of Echague, and one from the City of Ilagan.

Alan said the other six former rebels will be scheduled for pay-out to complete the 39 recipients of LSG in the province.

Alyas Jimboy, one of the beneficiaries expressed his gratitude to the government for the livelihood assistance.

“Malayong-malayo ang sitwasyon ko ngayong nagbalik-loob na ako sa pamahalaan kumpara noong nasa loob pa ako ng kilusan. Hirap at gutom lang ang naranasan ko sa teroristang grupo kumpara sa tinatamasa ko ngayong matahimik at maayos na pamumuhay. Labis ang aking pasasalamat sa gobyerno dahil sa walang tigil na pagkalinga sa aming mga nagbalik-loob,” he said.

Baby Jane Morales, another beneficiary, thanked the government upon receiving the financial aid. She then urged the remaining members of the New People’s Army to surrender to the government.

“Walang katapusan ang aking pasasalamat sa ating pamahalaan dahil sa pagtupad sa inyong pangako na mapabuti ang aming kalagayan. Sa mga natitira pang mga miyembro at sumusuporta sa rebeldeng NPA, hinihikayat ko kayo na ibaba na ang inyong mga armas at magbalik loob sa pamahalaan,” Alias Baby Jane said.

For his part, BGen Laurence E Mina PA, commander of 5ID said that the Command will work hand in hand with other government agencies to help facilitate the benefits intended for the former rebels thru the E-CLIP.

“The assistance of the government to the former rebels will give more reasons for the remaining NPAs to surrender not soon, but now. I thank the different government agencies and the provincial and local government units for doing a great job in ending the insurgency in the region,”he added.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Atty. Noel Manuel Lopez said the P20,000 financial assistance from DSWD and DILG is just the first of the many benefits the former rebels will be receiving from the government as other benefits are already in the pipe line.

He said the Provincial Government through the BRO Programs will give additional aid to the former rebels and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office’s livelihood program for former rebels are already prepared and soon will the distributed to them. (MDCT/MGE/PIA 2-Isabela)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058444

TESDA Isabela head: Pour projects, services in GIDA, armed conflict-affected areas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): TESDA Isabela head: Pour projects, services in GIDA, armed conflict-affected areas (By Merlito G. Edale)

Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr, director of TESDA Isabela, presides the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment (PRLEC) cluster meeting recently where he urged members to fuse resources in order to implement development projects in geographically isolated and areas affected by armed conflicts.

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, Nov. 9 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Isabela, being the co-chair of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment (PRLEC) cluster of the NTF-ELCAC, has urged all government agencies under the cluster to pour programs, projects and services in a former NPA-controlled village in San Mariano town and other geographically isolated and areas affected by armed conflicts in the province.

The call was made by TESDA Isabela head Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr, who presided the PRLEC meeting held at the TESDA - ISAT in this city.

Anduyan said barangay Dibuluan was once the lair of New People’s Army (NPA) and now that the area is cleared from insurgency, programs, projects and services must be rendered in order that the people in the area will benefit from it.

He said TESDA has allocated P1.3 million for its “Project PAGSIBOL”tor the Partnership Among Government Agencies for Skills Training Intervention and Better Opportunities for Livelihood.

The project fuses the resources of various government agencies in order to implement development projects in geographically isolated and areas affected by armed conflicts and hopes to alleviate poverty in the countryside in order to improve the quality of life of the people.

“We want that all government agencies will converge and render the necessary intervention to make the people in the place be productive,” Anduyan said.

Meanwhile, the 95th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Gladius Calilan under the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, assured that security in the area in place as troops are already deployed in three strategic locations. (MDCT/MGE/PIA 2-Isabela)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058450

‘Hands Off Our Children’ urges Benito Soliven youth leaders not to join left-leaning groups

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 10, 2020): ‘Hands Off Our Children’ urges Benito Soliven youth leaders not to join left-leaning groups (By Mark Djeron C. Tumabao)

A youth participant asks Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper who was recruited by Anakbayan, to share what happened to her daughter. (Salaknib photo)

CITY OF ILAGAN, Nov. 10 (PIA) - - - A member of the ‘Hands Off Our Children’ has urged the youth leaders from Benito Soliven town in this province not to be persuaded with the ‘sweet words’ of left-leaning youth groups.

Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper who was recruited by Anakbayan, in her message via Zoom, said she and other parents will not back down against the campaign of left-leaning youth groups.

She shared how intelligent, responsible, God fearing her daughter AJ was before recruited to be a member of the Anakbayan.

“They teached our children to rebel against their parents and they condition us to simply accept the fact that their kids are already rebellious,” shared Relisa.

The “Hands Off Our Children” is a campaign that seeks to help families looking for their teenage loved ones who have been recruited by Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan Party-list and other youth groups.

Relissa also advised the youth to listen to their parents for they know better than anyone else.

Recently, the 95th Infantry "Salaknib" Battalion in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Benito Soliven, Isabela through the leadership of Municipal Mayor Hon Roberto T Lungan and Ms. Roxan V Lungan RN-LYDO, Isabela Police Provincial Office and TESDA successfully conducted Youth Leadership Summit - Benito Soliven Chapter with 86 participants composed of SK officials, Out-of-School Youth (OSY) and college students. (MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058591

NOLCOM provides assistance in the delivery of National ID reg kits

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 10, 2020): NOLCOM provides assistance in the delivery of National ID reg kits (By Gabriela Liana Barela) 

TARLAC CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) provided personnel and transportation assistance in the delivery of about 1,523 National Identification System (PhilSys) registration kits to 11 provincial offices of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

This is Phase 1 of PhilSys implementation, which is to deliver the registration kits to 32 provincial offices all-over the country through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, AFP Chief General Gilbert Gapay emphasized the importance of PhilSys in the fight against insurgency.

"The National ID System will help us and other law enforcement agencies to curb criminality and terrorism as we can now validate and expose criminals’ identities and prevent them from hiding in other law-abiding citizens’ identity,” he underscored.

"This will also constrain and lose their freedom of movement, and they will be isolated and unable to transact business as no official identification can be presented when demanded,” Gapay added.

In line with this, NOLCOM Commander Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. ordered group commanders to provide the essential assistance for the delivery of kits.

About 1,523 National Identification System registration kits were delivered to 11 Philippine Statistics Authority provincial offices through personnel and transportation assistance provided by Northern Luzon Command. (NOLCOM)

"Provide all personnel and logistical assistance to ensure the safe and unhindered passage and delivery of the registration kits so that the system’s implementation will be able to proceed in accordance to the national government’s timeline,” he said.

Within the area of responsibility of NOLCOM, 11 provinces namely Bulacan, Isabela, Zambales, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Bataan have received their kits.

Burgos likewise acknowledged the indispensable role of PhilSys in capturing members of the terrorist groups.

“We are confident that the Communist Terrorist Group’s manipulative ploys will be contained and their terroristic intentions averted once the national ID system gains traction, thus, forcing them down the road of irrecoverable and irreversible defeat," he said.

Moreover, he emphasized that the implementation of this system is a leap towards achieving peace among the region.

"The crushing of insurgency in this part of the country will usher in the private and public sectors’ shared aspirations of peace, prosperity and development for the Filipino nation, particularly for the people of Northern and Central Luzon," he stressed. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058602

DILG, ECLIP team inaugurate former rebels’ halfway house in CamNorte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): DILG, ECLIP team inaugurate former rebels’ halfway house in CamNorte (By Rosalita B. Manlangit) 

DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) – The Halfway House for Former Rebels (FRs) located at Camp Busig-on in Tulay na Lupa, Labo town was inaugurated and blessed here recently through the efforts of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with the support of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee in Camarines Norte.

DILG Asst. Regional Director Atty. Arnulfo Escober Jr. said via videoteleconference, that the halfway house for FRs was a convergence effort of the regional, provincial and local government unit.

The shelter costs P5M funded last year by the DILG and was pushed to finish this year despite the pandemic.

Escober said the establishment of the shelter is a convergence effort of the National Government Agencies (NGAs) to assist the former rebels, while the shelter's operations will be handled by the provincial government of Camarines Norte.

USec. Reynaldo Mapagu, Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in a videoconference commended the efforts of the provincial government led by Gov. Edgardo Tallado in reintegrating FRs and its continuing support to E-CLIP and other activities of the national task force.

"The active participation of the local chief executives (LCEs) defines the success or failure of the program wherein we rely to them the attainment of government's desire to end insurgency within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte," Mapagu said.

DILG Provincial Director Ray B. Caceres emphasized that the halfway house is a temporary shelter of the FRs while they are undergoing trainings and other programs that the government offered.

Under the E-CLIP, financial assistance will be provided to FRs such as P15,000 immediate assistance, P50,000 livelihood and P10,000 from LGU-Camarines Norte.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Rommel K. Tello of 902nd IB, affirmed that the said halfway house, which is 2nd in the Bicol Region, next to Masbate, is the best in the Philippines in as far as his appreciation is concerned.

He also bared during the press conference that there is no more insurgency-affected barangay in the province adding that with the conducted Serbisyo Caravan-Barangayans’ “Whole of Nation Approach” under EO 70, the government have already reached isolated barangays affected by insurgencies.

A total of 16 former rebels being assisted currently by the government through the ECLIP were also present during the inauguration and blessing. In an interview, Alyas Ka Rigor, Alyas Ka Ding and Alyas Ka Mimoy called on the remaining left-leaning comrades to lay down their arms and re-pledge allegiance to the government.

Provincial Legal Officer/PIO Atty. Don Culvera representing the governor lauded the FRs for their willing response to be part again of the government and the community.

He urged former rebels to consider the halfway house as their home or a place they can “feel at home”.

“Despite the pandemic, this is the good thing that happened, that the former rebels chose the right path” he said.

During the pressconference and forum, TESD Specialist Tobias M. Obrero Jr of Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) expressed its support to provide additional skills training for the FRs with agricultural qualifications fit to transform idle land inside the camp into productive space for agricultural products.

Obrero happily announced that last June 26 this year, said 16 FRs graduated and were awarded with Carpentry National Certificate II (NCII), Tile Setting NC II, Mazonry NCII and Electrical Installation and Maintenance NCII, respectively.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Camarines Norte representative Janet Miranda said they have already conducted social preparation for FRs and has identified project for them. Poultry production site was also established at the camp and has now an allocated budget of P180 thousand.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Health Insurance Inc. (PhilHealth), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Housing Authority (NHA), among other agencies concerned, will also provide assistance to the FRs.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Cynthia de la Cruz said that funding for the maintenance of the shelter this year is P761,000 while next years’ budget has already been proposed.

Cruz said that the halfway house will be managed by a center head with house parents. The PSWDO will provide psychological, health, moral recovery and other services in preparation for the re-integration of FRs in the community.

Other guests who graced the inauguration and expressed support to the program were Archibishop Rev. Rex Alarcon, Admin Jojo Francisco of Labo, Acting Vice Gov. Concon Panotes, PCol. Marlon Tejada of PNP-CNPPO, and 9th ID Commander Gen Maj.Gen. Henry Robinson.

The event was also supported by the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Norte along with quad media from the different outlets in the province. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058482

Gov’t to extend infra, livelihood, housing programs for ELCAC brgy in Canlaon City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 10, 2020): Gov’t to extend infra, livelihood, housing programs for ELCAC brgy in Canlaon City (By Roi Lomotan)

Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City Chair Lauriano Jakosalem (standing) raising their issues and concerns before national, provincial, and city government officials during the "Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamamayan" event held in Brgy. Nilothangan Multi-Purpose Hall on No. 5, 2020. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

CANLAON CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Infrastructure projects, livelihood support interventions, and housing resettlement for residents living in danger zones were some of the programs and services which government line agencies including the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental will extend to Brgy. Budlasan, this city.

Officials from government line agencies, city government, and the provincial government gave their commitment to provide these interventions during the "Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamamayan" event held Nov. 5, 2020.

Dagyawan is a form of dialogue between government and residents of barangays affected by insurgency.

The purpose of the dialogue is to come up with strategies to resolve local issues and concerns which are used by alleged terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) to make the people turn against the government.

Brgy. Budlasan is one of the 10 additional barangays identified as priority areas in Negros Oriental for the government convergence efforts under its whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict strategy this year.

Brgy. Budlasan Chair Lauriano Jakosalem called on concerned government agencies and cited the need for a housing resettlement for households living in danger zones.

“(Ang) Budlasan proper, naigo mi sa hazard zone 13 years na. Naay 115 ka housing apan ang karon ang nahuman 5. (Naa pa sa) 110 ang kulang. Kung mobalik ang kalamidad asa namo sila ibutang? Dapat mahatagan mo ug solusyon (Budlasan proper has been situated in a hazard zone for 13 years already. There was a plan to establish 115 housing units but until now only five were built. There are 110 units that are not built. If another calamity hits, where will we put the families at risk? This should be resolved),” Jakosalem explained.

In response to this, Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas announced that a P5-M budget has been allocted in 2021 to be used in this project.

Aside from the housing project, Jakosalem also noted the importance of concrete roads for the transport of their agricultural produce.

“Ang mamaligya ug utanon, for example 50kgs ilang dad-on sa midtown. Pag-abot sa midtown di na siya kaabot ug 50kgs mabalda man siya kay mabalda sa motor. Ang 50kgs, 40 na lang (For example, those who are selling their vegetable produce, when they go to midtown they carry 50 kgs. of vegetables but when they reach their destination the weight is reduced because they are crushed along the way. The 50 kgs. would have decrease to 40kgs. when they arrive at midtown),” Jakosalem said.

Executive Assistant to the Governor Angelo Tiongson disclosed that the provincial government was ready implement the road concreting project reaching Brgy. Budlasan.

However, there was a delay in the start of the project because one of the contractors tested positive in his COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test.

“Rest assured maybe on the 15th of the month masugdan na siya. Naa pod ta ongoing concreting didto sa Brgy. Budlasan (Rest assured, this will push through hopefully on the 15th of the month. We also have an ongoing concreting in Brgy. Budlasan),” Tiongson said.

Cardenas also disclosed that the city government has allocated P500,000 for the said project.

Apart from this, Jakosalem said they have identified the following priority interventions they need from the government: livelihood trainings for women, provision of fertilizers for their agricultural produce, electrification in four sitios that are still unenergized, construction of covered courts, and provision of equipment for their health center.

In terms of livelihood skills training, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Director Joel Villagracia said their office is willing to coordinate with the barangay to identify which skills training is appropriate for the residents of the area.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 4Ps Provincial Link Reggie Locsin also referred them to their city social welfare and development officer for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) which they can also avail of in terms of providing livelihood opportunities to their constituents.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Johnjoan Mende appealed for understanding and patience from the officials and residents of Brgy. Budlasan in case these projects would not materialize immediately due to government process of planning and budgeting.

However, he underscored that government agencies are present to listen to their concerns and include their proposed projects in their budget for planning for 2022.

On the other hand, Negros Oriental 1st District Cong. Josy Limkaichong, who was also in the Dagyawan, requested the officers of Brgy. Budlasan to give their full support to the government in the campaign against insurgency.

“This is a genuine commitment of the government and I hope the people in Budlasan, (ipaabot) sa inyong mga katawhan na serious ang gobyerno sa pagtabang ug pagsuporta aning atong gitawag na end of (local communist armed) conflict (I hope that you will communicate to your constituents that the government is serious about ending local communist armed conflict),” Limkaichong said.

Being the vice-chair of the Committee on Appropriations in the Lower House, Limkaichong expressed her commitment in supporting this endeavor by sponsoring the budget for ELCAC programs in the Congress. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058535

NegOr officials emphasize importance of community support for ELCAC success

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2020): NegOr officials emphasize importance of community support for ELCAC success (By Roi Lomotan)

Negros Oriental Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict Chair Gov. Roel Degamo (standing) highlights the government's intent to bring basic services to conflict-sensitive communities in his speech during the "Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamamayan" event held at the Manjuyod Municipal Covered Court on Nov. 9, 2020. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

MANJUYOD, Negros Oriental, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- Local officials in Negros Oriental reiterated the call for community support to the government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

Agencies comprising the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF ELCAC) held the third leg of its "Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamamayan" event here on Nov. 9, 2020 to show how serious the government is in ending insurgency problem in the province and secure the support of the public.

“We are involved in solving the insurgency problem from the national agencies down to sitio levels of the barangay. With our unit, we will be able to end the local communist armed conflict in our areas,” said Col. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental, during the Dagyawan.

“Again we are calling your support, the military cannot defeat the insurgency alone. Support your LGU in ending this problem. With God and your utmost cooperation surely, we will be able to end this five decade-old insurgency problem,” Peña told barangay officials in Manjuyod.

Meanwhile, NOTF ELCAC Chair Gov. Roel Degamo emphasized that the task force is carrying out Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s desire to bring services to the doorstep of the people, which is a vital strategy in resolving issues and concerns linked with insurgency.

“It’s a matter of commitment for all of us. Commitment nato tanan mga heads of the different line agencies. Kung mokomiter lang ta ug atong kinasingkasing ang atong departmento makatabang sa barangay aron atong mapaabot ngadto sa mga katawhan na tinuoray ang atong gihimo (It’s a commitment from all of us heads of line agencies. We commit and put it in our hearts that what we do will be a big help to the barangay and we will be able to show them how serious we are in our actions),” Degamo said.

“Kaning inyong presensya karon mao kining indikasyon na nagkahiusa ta sa usa ka tumong. Ang pagkab-ot sa tinuoray na kalinaw ug kahusay sa atong probinsiya (Your presence today indicates that we are united in one goal and that is to achieve true peace and development in our barangay),” Degamo stressed.

The Dagyawan is anchored on the principle of participatory governance which banners the theme “Solusyon ng Mamamayan, Aksyon ng Pamahalaan.”

The event provides an avenue for dialogue between officials of conflict-sensitive barangays and officials from line agencies of government to discuss local issues and concerns connected to insurgency and present solutions to address these problems.

Manjuyod has one barangay included in the list of priority areas for ELCAC and that is Brgy. Panciao.

Brgy. Captain Gretchen Catubig was given the opportunity to raise different development problems in their area and enumerate the programs and services they would like to request from government agencies.

Some of the programs, services, and items they would like to request from the government include purchase of dumptruck and ambulance to be utilized by their constituents, electrification of some sitios, provision of farm equipment and other machineries, construction of drainage system, and multi-purpose building, repair of dilapidated classrooms, day care center, health centers with lying-in clinics, and concreting of roads.

To this, heads of government agencies like Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Goverment (DILG), and provincial and city government units expressed their commitment to respond to these concerns.

On the other hand, Negros Oriental 1st District Rep. Josy Limkaichong underscored that while the government is serious in responding to these concerns, it is equally important that the community should also give its full support to the government in this undertaking.

“Kaning ELCAC, nasayod ta na it’s a wholistic approach na ma-achieve ta ang kalambuan. Importante ani ang mindset didto sa naapektaran barangay (We all know that ELCAC is wholistic approach to achieve development. The mindset of the people in the affected barangay is equally important),” said Limkaichong, noting that all these efforts are geared towards winning the hearts of the people. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from Maj. Khadaffy Tawantawan, CMO 302nd IB of the Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058766

DOH turns over medicines to ELCAC priority brgy in NegOr town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2020): DOH turns over medicines to ELCAC priority brgy in NegOr town (By Roi Lomotan)

Department of Health (DOH) Negros Oriental Provincial Officer Dr. Socrates Villamor (in stripes) turning over the boxes of medicines worth P17,000 to officials of Brgy. Panciao, Manjuyod led by its chief, Gretchen Catubig, during the "Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamamayan" event held in Manjuyod on Nov. 9, 2020. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)_

MANJUYOD, Negros Oriental, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Negros Oriental turned over boxes of medicines to village officials of Brgy. Panciao here as part of their immediate services extended to priority communities under the government’s Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) campaign.

DOH Provincial Officer Dr. Socrates Villamor personally turned over the boxes containing medicines for high blood, cough, fever, and vitamins to Brgy. Panciao officials led by Brgy. Chair Gretchen Catubig during the "Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamamayan" event held at the Municipal Gym on Nov. 9, 2020.

The total amount of the turned-over medicines is pegged at P17,000.

Brgy. Panciao is one of the 10 additional ELCAC priority barangays in Negros Oriental identified this year.

During the dialogue between officials of government line agencies and officials of Brgy. Panciao in the said event, Catubig said that health is among the main issues and concerns in their barangay.

Catubig said their barangay is requesting for one unit of ambulance for the faster transport of patients in their area and rehabilitation or repair of their barangay health center with possible provision for lying-in facility.

In response, Villamor explained the process on how they can avail of these provisions, saying that they should include these proposals in the municipal investment plan for health which DOH uses as the basis when it plans its budget proposals and programs to be rolled out the following year.

The DOH official also suggested that instead of ambulance, it would be better to request for a patient transport vehicle since the department recently issued a new rule on licensing ambulances which entail a lot of requirements.

On the rehabilitation of the barangay health station with the provision for lying-in facility, Villamor said DOH observes standards when it comes health stations.

“Naa naman ta standard sa barangay health station, pinakagamay katong mohatag ug basic health services. Ikaduha katong medium size na barangay health station. Naa didto usa ka kwarto na pwede himuon lying-in station or paanakan. Nag-require ta ana ug 250 sqm. Katong dakong barangay health facility nag-require ta ug at least 250 sqm. (We have standards to follow when it comes to barangay health stations. The smallest are those that provide basic health services. The second one is the medium size where you can have one room which you can use as lying-in facility. That requires of 250 sqm. of land. The biggest also requires 250 sqm.),” Villamor explained.

“Kung katong existing ninyo ron kung kaya siya medium pwede dito na lang. Pero kung naa mo lain lugar na titulado or naa dokumento na nagpakita na gitag-iya guyd sa barangay or LGU, mas labing maayo (If your existing health station can pass the standard for medium size then we can have it there. But if you can look for a bigger area that has a title or document that could prove that it is owned by the barangay or LGU, the better),” he added.

Villamor also told barangay officials of Panciao that the rehabilitation of their health station already had its approved funding under the 2021 budget.

But because of COVID-19 pandemic, Villamor said the national government had to re-align funds for COVID-19 response, noting that there is no budget for repair of health stations in the 2021 budget.

However, he said he will endorse this again to their central office for the 2022 budget as long as it is included in the municipal investment plan for health.

“Ato i-ensure na maapil siya sa municipal investment plan for health sa 2022 kay human naman nag budgeting sa 2021. Kinahanglan ta moagi ug proseso ug kanang municipal investment plan for health, mao nang bibliya namo na amo pagasundon. Ato nang ibalik ug endorse. Iapil nato ato, ibalik sa municipal investment fund for 2022 (Let’s ensure that this is included in the municipal investment plan for health for 2022 since the budget deliberation for the 2021 budget is over. We have to undergo the process and the municipal investment plan for health is our bible which we follow. We will endorse this again. Include this in the municipal investment fund for 2022),” Villamor said. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058800

Serbisyo Caravan reaches indigenous peoples community in Magpet

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 11, 2020): Serbisyo Caravan reaches indigenous peoples community in Magpet (By Danilo E. Doguiles)

MAGPET, Cotabato Province, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- The Government Serbisyo Caravan has reached Barangay Manobo, Magpet in Cotabato Province Tuesday, November 10.

The Serbisyo Caravan, participated in by provincial and municipal local government units and national government agencies formally kicks off the implementation of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the area.

"We are grateful that for the first time, the provincial government and national line agencies together hold a Serbisyo Caravan for our community. Through this caravan our residents experience and understand that there is a government that is ready to extend help for their good," Barangay Manobo chairman Roldan Pelonio told Philippine Information Agency.

RCSP is a convergence of national government agencies and local government units aimed at providing comprehensive development initiatives in communities that have been cleared of the influence of the communist terrorist group (CTG) through the military-led Community Support Program (CSP). It is a response to the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 to end local communist armed conflict.

Chairman Pelonio explained that for years residents of Barangay Manobo were heavily affected by the New Peoples Army (NPA) because of its location.

"Manobo, also called Barangay Tiko, is the farthest community in Cotabato Province. In fact, we share boundaries with Barangay Tamayong and Barangay Tambobong in Calinan District of Davao City. These boundaries are mountainous and forested, a favorite lair of the rebel group which made the residents of Barangay Manobo the easiest victims of the NPAs," Pelonio said.

Barangay Manobo has a population of over 6,000. About 99 percent of the residents here are indigenous people.

As an RCSP target area, Barangay Manobo is eligible for a P20 million development assistance package from the national government in 2021.

Pelonio said the community has already identified where the fund will be spent on.

Their priority, he emphasized is the concreting of a 1.7-kilometer portion of the 3.5-kilometer road that traverses 8 of its 14 sitios (sub-villages). Once completed, the road project will greatly improve access and transport of products and services to and from sitios like Linaysing, Punong, Maluso, Mahitang, Elid, and Pantaron.



Meanwhile, in her message to the residents of Manobo during the caravan, Gov. Nancy Catamco, emphasized that there is no reason for people to rebel against the government.

"In the past we may have causes for rebellion because it seemed that we were left out. We didn't have road. We didn't have schools and water systems. But now, nobody has reason to rebel against the government because the government is doing its best to address all the needs of its people," Gov. Catamco said.

One of the most significant projects implemented in the area is the construction of a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge across the river at the entry point of the barangay.

Construction works immediately started after the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday (November 6) for the P22-million project funded by the provincial government through its 20 percent Economic Development Plan.

Per contract, the bridge should be completed in July 2021.

"This bridge means so much to the Manobo community. Transport of our products will be easier. Also, we won't anymore be concerned of our people meeting accidents when crossing the river especially during inclement weather," Chairman Pelonio said.



During the Serbisyo Caravan, the provincial government delivered its initial commitments to the community as identified during the immersion of the ELCAC Core Team in the area. These commitments include the distribution of seedlings, dispersal of farm animals, livelihood support, medicines for the barangay health center, food packs and other aids for pregnant mothers and malnourished children, and many others.

Government line agencies such as TESDA, DSWD, PSA, DENR, AFP, PNP, DOLE, DTI, PhilHealth, LTO, DA, DOH, NHA, NCIP, DAR, DILG were also present to deliver their frontline services and explain to residents what services can be availed from each office and how to avail them.

Manobo is one of the 10 barangays in Magpet identified as target areas of RCSP this year. Six more will be added for the development initiative in 2021.

In SOCCSKSARGEN Region, 62 barangays have been included in the target areas for RCSP; 36 of these are in Cotabato Province. (DED-PIA XII) 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058634

Gov't convergence program focuses support for IP community in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2020): Gov't convergence program focuses support for IP community in Sultan Kudarat (By Danilo E. Doguiles)

ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- Through Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), national line agencies in SOCCSKSARGEN Region in partnership with the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and the Municipal Government of Esperanza are gearing up to carry out sustainable peace and development efforts to benefit an indigenous people community in Barangay Margues, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

On Wednesday (November 11), the provincial and municipal government offices as well as the national line agencies together held a Serbisyo Caravan at Sitio Ugis to kick off the RCSP implementation in the area.

RCSP is a convergence program where all government institutions join forces in a whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and end local communist armed conflict as mandated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through Executive Order No. 70.

Communities identified for RCSP implementation are barangays where the Armed Forces of the Philippines has completed Community Support Program (CSP) and require more comprehensive development interventions from concerned LGUs and government agencies.

OIC Provincial Tourism Officer Datu Yahiya Sinenggayan, speaking on behalf of Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu, emphasized that Barangay Margues was selected as RCSP-target area because it is vulnerable to the influence of the communist terrorist group (CTG).

Margues' Sitio Ugis where the Serbisyo Caravan was held is home to 270 families of the indigenous tribes of Dulangan Manobo, Teduray, and Lambangian who may be exploited and recruited by the CTG.

"We do not say that this place is a lair of NPAs or any terrorist group but the provincial and municipal government units, along with different national agencies have identified Barangay Margues as vulnerable to the influence of such groups.

Thus, on the part of the provincial government, under the leadership of our beloved governor, we would like to bring services closer to communities so that you will witness and understand that the government protects your rights and welfare and cares for its people," Sinenggayan said.



During the Serbisyo Caravan, personnel of the provincial and municipal LGUs delivered basic services for residents of Sitio Ugis. These services include medical checkup with free medicine, free eyeglasses, distribution of seeds and seedlings to local farmers, turnover of toilet bowls in line with the zero defecation program, mobile civil registration, and many others.

Representatives of different government agencies such as TESDA, DepEd, DOLE, DSWD, and NCIP were also present to orient the community regarding the services they offer and the process to avail of these services.

As an RCSP target village, Barangay Margues is also eligible for a development support package from the national government as well as sustained support services from different government line agencies. (DED-PIA XII)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058756

Army, LGU conduct consultation, dialogue for peace and development in AgNor community

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 11, 2020): Army, LGU conduct consultation, dialogue for peace and development in AgNor community (By 23rd Infantry Battalion)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov. 11 -- The troops of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte and the local officials of Barangay Durian conducted a peace and consultation dialogue with the residents on November 6, 2020.

The activity was aimed to discuss the primary issues and concerns of the residents particularly on land, the recruitment of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) among the youth, the peace, and order situation and other related matters. It was attended by the identified local supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). The said supporters are known for providing food, finances, information on the whereabouts of the government forces, and other forms of support to the NPA.

During the open forum, some residents openly voiced their concerns about the security situation in their barangay. They admitted to being forced to support the NPA because of fear. The residents added that for a couple of times, they were threatened by NPA combatants and warned of repercussions once they decline to give support to the communist movement. Residents said most of those who experienced harassment and intimidation from the NPA are those residing in the remote areas of the barangay.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales assured the residents of Durian of the continuing support of the LGU, the line agencies, and the Army. She also thanked the 23rd IB troopers for protecting and saving the residents of Durian from the threats of the CPP-NPA. She also assured the residents of the constant delivery of basic services and livelihood opportunities to address the different issues that are being exploited by the NPAs.

“Together, we can build a strong, peaceful, and resilient community here in Durian. Rest assured that your LGU, the Army, and the line agencies of the government will continue to deliver development interventions for the residents of Barangay Durian,” Rosales said.

Rosales also asked the residents to do their duties and responsibilities, emphasizing that defeating the insurgency is a shared task of the stakeholders and the community members. She added that residents are also bound to protect their community from the encroachment of the CPP-NPA.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB, expressed optimism that the residents will eventually defeat communism and terrorism with the support of the different stakeholders in Las Nieves and the province of Agusan del Norte. He also thanked the barangay council of Durian for their continuing support to the unified efforts to defeat the insurgency in the area. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058639

Tagalog News: Mga dating rebelde sa Agusan del Norte magkakaroon ng sariling bahay

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 11, 2020): Tagalog News: Mga dating rebelde sa Agusan del Norte magkakaroon ng sariling bahay (By Nora C. Lanuza)

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Nobyembre 11 (PIA) -- Mahigit 100 mga dating rebelde sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte ang magkakaroon na ng sariling bahay mula sa 1.4 hectares na lupaing bigay ng San Roque Metals, Incorporated (SRMI) sa probinsya.

Emosyonal na nagpasalamat si alyas Kris ng malamang isa siya sa makikinabang sa gagawing bahay. Ayon sa kanya sensiro ang gobyernong tumulong sa kagaya nila upang makapagbagong buhay.

Sa ginawang turn-over at ground breaking ceremony, nagpasalamat si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa SRMI sa pamamagitan ng kanilang representante na si Ryan Culima sa bigay na lupain at ibinalita din nya na sisimulan na ang pagpapatayo ng kanilang mga bahay at binigyang badyet ng probinsya ng tig P450,000 ang bawat bahay na itatayo para sa mga dating rebelde.

Dahil na din sa tumataas n na bilang nga mga nag-susurender sa 29th at 23rd Infantry Battalions na nakabase sa probinsya, personal na tinutukan ni 2nd district Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba ang paghanap ng lupain upang doon itatayo ng mga bahay para sa mga dating rebelde.

Dahil sa mabibigyan na ng kani-kanilang bahay ang mga dating rebelde, tinatawagan ni Rep. Matba ang iba pang mga myembro ng NPA na magbalik loob na sa gobyerno ng makapagbagong buhay na rin.

Ang nasabing lupain, kung saan itatayo ang mga bahay ay matatagpuan sa Barangay Del Pilar sa lungsod ng Cabadbaran. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058637