BUTUAN CITY – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has provided rice aid to former New People’s Army (NPA) fighters in Agusan del Norte.
FORMER New People’s Army (NPA) rebels receive rice aid from the OPAPRU and 23rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. (Photo courtesy of 23rd IB-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo)
Recipients now called “Friends Rescued” by the Army 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (IB) received their assistance at the 23rd IB headquarters in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Balingao, commanding officer of the 23rd IB, facilitated the rice distribution.
“This activity symbolizes the government's commitment to assisting them in their journey towards reintegration into society and providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives,” Balingao said.
“We are always behind them in their new way of life,” Balingao added. “This commitment emphasized the importance of holistic development in sustaining peace not only on the absence of violence but also on the presence of prosperity, education, and social welfare.”
The OPAPRU also handed over 500 sacks rice to FRs residing at the Halfway House Livelihood Training Center in Barangay Bancasi here.
Forty-three FRs from the Masigasig Happy Homes of the 23rd IB have started Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) under the Department of Education-Alternative Learning System (DepEd-ALS).