Kalinaw News: Former rebels, mass supporters, POs get sacks of rice in Aurora

From Kalinaw News (Jul 7, 2022): Former rebels, mass supporters, POs get sacks of rice in Aurora

BALER, Aurora-A total of 250 former rebels (FRs) and its mass supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in this province including the seven peoples organizations (POs) being organized by the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91st IB) have received sacks of rice each, a top military official of this province said on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, acting commander of 91st IB said in an interview that an amount of Php312,500 was given to provide the rice for them through the efforts of Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), 703rd Agila Brigade 91st IB, and the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army.

“This is part of our mandate and contribution to the government under Executive Order No. 70 for a whole-of-nation approach under the ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) program,” Recto said.

He added that the delivery of rice was a result of the recent three-day peace orientation towards a transformation program at Sinagtala Gym, 91st IB.

The POs were Sambayanan Association; Solo Parents Association (SPA); IP Association; Masaganang Perlas ng Silangan Aurora Province Association (MAPSAP); Renewed Strength Dinadiawan Association (RSDA); Brgy. Calaocan New Life Association (BCNLA); and, Mamamayang Lingkod para Isulong ang Kaunlaran sa Aurora (MALIKHA).

Recto said that the government is doing its fullest effort to help the FRs and its mass supporters to give its offer for peace, security and development.

“The 91st IB, OPAPRU, 703rd Agila Brigade and 7th ID give them hope. We are doing best effort to the fullest level to provide them aid, assistance and livelihood programs. The move is for peacebuilding towards their recovery and growth,” Recto said.

Juliet Capistrano, President of Masaganang Perlas ng Silangan Aurora Province (MAPSAP), a PO in Sitio Dicaluyongan, Barangay Zabali in this capital town of Aurora thanked the 91st IB for the 75 cavans of rice given to their organization.

Enriquito Samolde, a former president of Nagkakaisang Samahang Maralita ng Dicaloyungan in Baler said that Executive Order 70 also known as the whole-of-nation approach is fruitful in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace to end local communist armed conflict in this province.

“I was one of the victims of the front of the terrorist organization and I am now truly awaken, the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) diverse our land problems of one-sided reports and fabricated facts have been used to portray a thoughtless and abusive government. The reality, the government is sincere in bringing hope for us. I am very thankful to our military for their love for us. I never experience abuses instead, the sow love and help us,” Samolde said.

He added that for over 50 years has only resulted in the loss of lives most especially of the youth.

“I have personally observed the grieving parents who claim to have lost their children to an ideology that paints the government as traitors to their motherland, while turning them slowly into rabid activists lost in a cause. Our EO 70 is essential for us towards peace. Most of all, it is the key to finally resolving communist insurgency. Let us support our government,” Samolde said.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-mass-supporters-pos-get-sacks-of-rice-in-aurora/