GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental -- A service caravan including free medical and dental services has been offered upon the activation of Misamis Oriental Task Force End Local Communist and Armed Conflict (MOTF-Elcac) at Sitio Moya, Barangay Eureka, in Gingoog City, on Thursday, September 26.
The launching of MOTF–Elcac and its operationalization through the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (Capdev) program highlighted the PLGAs and local government units’ symbolic and official commitments of various socio-economic projects for the affected communities.
Barangay Eureka and the neighboring villages Lawaan and Minalwang have been identified as among the 16 villages in eastern Misamis Oriental targeted for community support program (CSP) immersion by the army’s 58th Infantry Battalion for the 2nd quarter of 2019 which started last April 11 to August 28.
The immersion was spearheaded by the village chiefs and supported by Governor Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano.
In the 16 affected villages, 53 NPA regular members, 91 Milisya ng Bayan (MB), 73 Sangay sa Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and 377 members of Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) have withdrawn their membership and support to the CPP-NPA-NDF.
180 of these were results of the CSP Team immersed in Barangay Eureka.
These 180 individuals along with 14 NPAs and MBs are scheduled to receive their immediate cash and livelihood assistance and firearms remuneration.
Some former rebels are now undergoing development and financial management training and livelihood training offered by the Department of Trade and Industry, Alternative Learning System from the Department of Education and skills training form Tesda at Headquarters 58th Infantry Battalion in Claveria.
“Let us address the issues and concerns of the people. Do not allow the NPA to exploit the issues to agitate, organize and mobilize the people to rise in arms against the government. Let us help one another to deliver basic services that the people need,” 58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Roy Anthony Derilo said. (PR)