Army, BHWs facilitate medical care to 3 pregnant FRs, 30 children

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 9, 2020): Army, BHWs facilitate medical care to 3 pregnant FRs, 30 children (By 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 9 -- The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army facilitated the provision of medical care and assistance to three pregnant former rebels (FRs) and 30 children of former Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) through the medical services activity held at the battalion headquarters at the Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista on October 2, 2020.

The medical activity, which included free deworming, immunization and pre-natal check-up was conducted in partnership with the members of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Alubihid headed by Jasmine Millagracia, the barangay nurse. The success of the activity was also made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista who are part of the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

The said health activity is among the regular programs being done by the 23rd IB to monitor the health situation of the FRs, including their children at their halfway house called “Happy Home” inside the battalion headquarters. It is also aimed to protect the FRs and their families from the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Alias “Jannah,” a pregnant FR was among the beneficiaries of the medical activity who thanked the Army and the government for providing them and their children the much-needed health interventions.

She also added in her testimony that the proper care she received from the soldiers since she surrendered will help her prepare to reintegrate back to her family and community.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB expressed his full support to the activity and thanked the partner agencies and the LGU concerned for the support they extended to the former CNT combatants and their children.

He also condemned the CNTs for the continuing act of injustice that they do to the families and children of their combatants who, for years, were denied of the access to the health services of the government.

“When you returned to the fold of the law, among the primary services that the government has provided you is health care. The Army, the line agencies, and the LGU want you to be in good health, especially your children,” Paulo said.

He also emphasized that the provision of regular health services will also ensure the physical growth and development of the children of the FRs who are considered as the future leaders of Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region and in the whole country.

“These children are our future leaders. We condemn the CNTs for denying them the right to access to health services. We are aware that here in Agusan del Norte and the rest of the region, hundreds of children, whose parents are still enthralled by the false ideology and claims of the CNTs are suffering from malnutrition and other life-threatening ailments,” Paulo said.

He also urged the remaining CNT members in Agusan del Norte to make one and concrete decisions to abandon the communist movement and go back to the government.

He also pointed out that the government has been giving favorable treatment to former rebels who wish to change their lives and face a renewed future. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055270