THE Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (53IB) and 1st Civil-Military Operations "Mahigalaon" Battalion (1CMOBn) continue to conduct community engagement activities in the hinterlands of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The community engagement activities were conducted Wednesday and Thursday, August 11 and 12, in Salvador village, one of the impoverished communities in Dumingag, according to the 53IB.

On August 11, the 53IB and 1CMOBn personnel distributed leaflets that feature the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

The reading materials highlight the benefits that may be received by a former rebel should he or she lay down arms and return to the folds of law.

The 53IB said the distribution of leaflets is part of the efforts of the government in addressing the five-decade-long communist insurgency and terrorism in the country.

On August 12, the troops distributed slippers, which benefitted 83 children in Salvador village.

The distribution of slippers was done in coordination with the Salvador village officials headed by Village Chairperson Luisito Cruz. (SunStar Zamboanga)