Kalinaw News: Bridging Gaps: Government helps the families of Active NPAs in MisOr

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 23, 2021): Bridging Gaps: Government helps the families of Active NPAs in MisOr



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – The 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion conducted a Peaceful Family Oriented Approach at Lagonglong and Balingasag from January 21 to 22, 2021.

The activity was made successfully in coordination with the Local Government Units of the said municipalities for the family members and relatives of active NPA rebels.

The activity was attended by the residents of Barangay Banglay and Umagos in Lagonglong and the residents of Barangay Rosario, Quezon, Kibanban, Camuayan, and Samay in Balingasag. The purpose of the said activity is to inform the families about the programs created by the government for those who want to surrender and go back to the folds of the law and be aware that there is Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that exists. The activity also aims to empower families of an active Communist Terrorist group to encourage them to surrender; for many benefits and a promising new life with their family awaits them, once they submit themselves to the government wholeheartedly.

Part of the program was an open forum where residents were able to raise their issues and concerns in terms of livelihood assistance, road, infrastructural, and water system projects. Personal questions have also been addressed by the members of Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) members of Balingasag spearheaded by Hon. Mayor Alexis Quina and other Department Heads.

In his speech, Hon. Mayor Alexis S. Quina said, “We only have one life. It cannot be exchanged nor be replaced. But it can be changed. The same with our current situation. The fight against NPA has been going on for 52 long years now. We have been fighting and wanting an end to this, but is wanting and dreaming enough? Do we have that urgency in our hearts to be active contributors of change? As responsible citizens of Balingasag, I only want you to be courageous. Be brave. If we let fear prevail in us, nothing will happen. All the aide from the government are just secondary. Change starts with you. Ang dalan sa kalipay kay kalinaw. Ug walay kalinaw, walay kalipay.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion, said that “Achieving our mission thru peaceful means is the dream. We are taking the call to peace-building in a whole different level now and our intention is clear. We want you to live a normal, happy life with your families. We will not hesitate going to your communities and inform you of the good news of hope for you and your loved ones, and not miss the chance of a lifetime. Return to the folds of the law now. Stop chasing the wrong ideology. Choose life. Choose your family.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

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