ARMY PROVIDES SUPPORT TO PNP ‘BARANGAYANIHAN’ IN AGNOR VILLAGE

More than 70 families in a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte directly benefited from a ‘Barangayanihan’ activity conducted by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 (RMFB13) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The ‘Barangayanihan’ was held in Sitio Salamin, Barangay Bokbokon, Las Nieves last August 14, 2021.

The troopers of 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), led by the unit’s Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo provided support to the conduct of the said activity.

Sitio Salamin is among the GIDA areas in Agusan del Norte and one of the priority areas of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC). The residents in the said sitio have been disturbed for years by the terroristic activities of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNT). Bokbokon; and Kathy Villamor, the manager of Project Giving, and personalities from other non-government organizations (NGOs).

The activity was led by RMFB-13 Commander Col. Laudemer M. Laude together with Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales. Other stakeholders who supported the activity included Marisel Cosme, the president of the Rotary Club of Downtown Butuan City; Datu Ronal Manghumosay, the Barangay Chairman of In his message, Col. Laude thanked the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves for the success of the activity. He also recognized the efforts of the different stakeholders in pursuing their cause to help the marginalized residents of Sitio Salamin despite the threats of the pandemic.

“This is among the objectives of this ‘Barangayanihan’ activity which is critical to the government security forces’ ability to defeat insurgency as well as in maintaining peace and order in our communities,” Laude said.

He also said that fostering harmonious working relationship with the 23IB is one of their operational thrusts.

“After all, we are serving the same country under the same flag for the same people towards the attainment of the same objective,” Laude said.

During the ‘Barangayanihan,’ the beneficiaries were provided with food packs, livelihood grants, free circumcision for children, and free haircut for all the residents. The community also received a 60-meter hose that will provide potable water to the residents.

“When the storm is rough, we must row together to achieve our desired destination. We are very thankful for our partner agencies who continue to assist our people in securing the welfare of the community,” Mayor Rosales said.

She also commended the joint efforts of the 23IB, the RMFB 13, and the different stakeholders for the successful conduct of ‘Barangayanihan’ activity in Sitio Salamin.

Datu Ronal Manghumosay was also thankful for the support given to the residents of Sitio Salamin.

“Kini nga programa dako jud ning tabang sa matag usa nga lumolupyo diri sa Sitio Salamin labi na karon sa panahon sang pandemiya (This program has provided big help to the residents of Sitio Salamin especially during this time of the pandemic),” Datu Manghumosay said.

The activity was also augmented by the personnel of 23IB, RMFB 13, and the NGOs who assisted in the distribution of food packs and ensured that the minimum health protocols were observed all throughout the activity. The activity also formalized the already iron-clad partnership of the 23IB and RMFB 13 from the area level down to the grassroots which will be the gamechanger in the quest for a safe and terror-free community.

“The 23IB and the RMFB-13 intend to beef-up and promote ‘Barangayanihan’ activities that manifest altruism and solidarity among the security sector amidst this pandemic,” Lt. Col. Paulo said.

He also urged those who have more to share their blessings to those who have less by joining and support the community activities such as ‘Barangayanihan.’

“We have high hopes that these small acts of kindness will ripple into more compassion, harmony, and generosity among the community especially in these challenging times,” Paulo said. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)