Army urges militants to suggest better ways of relief distribution

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 18): Army urges militants to suggest better ways of relief distribution

Officials from the Philippine Arm's 10th Infantry Division yesterday urged militant groups to suggest and share a system of distribution for the relief goods rather than disrupt government operation to serve families and individuals who suffered from the blows of super-typhoon Pablo.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th ID, made the call as he pointed out the need for solidarity among the people in communities, including militants and insurgents. “Panahon ngayon ng ating pagkakaisa; hindi tayo dapat maghahanap ng gulo. Kung meron silang magagandang magagawa, bakit di nila iparating kay governor (This is the time for unity, we should not be finding fault against each other. If they have a better idea, why not bring this to the of the governor),” Paniza said referring to Provincial Gov. Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley Province.

Paniza said the militants' staging of barricade on January 15 at the intersection of the national highway in Montevista smacks of economic sabotage as it disrupted traffic flow of people and goods, and caused losses to business and small enterprises. “Maraming na stranded, nasira ang negosyo. Nabulok ang mga isda sa fishcars (There were many who were stranded, businesses affected, the fish in the fishcars rotted),” he said.

Meanwhile, Paniza viewed such mass action staged by the militant groups as a sign of “insecurity” of their allied armed group New People’s Army. “It is becoming obvious that the military is gaining support and approval of grassroots communities.” Despite such threat of the militants and their allies, Paniza said the military will go head-on with its Oplan Bayanihan and will continue to assist the local and national government in the relief and rehabilitation operation.

Col. Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade (IB) covering the entire province of Compostela Valley (except Laak Municipality), told the media in a press conference in Tagum City that the military had sent four teams of soldier-carpenters from Engineering Battalion to the towns of New Bataan, Compostela, Monkayo and Montevista of Compostela Valley. “They will help repair damaged houses,” he said as he explained that each team is composed of 17 soldier-carpenters deployed for two months to assist local governments.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591358408018