BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) said community development activities for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples (IP) are much needed to keep them away from the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The Army recently convened the Negritos Ata and Bukidnon Tribe, an IP community, in Sitio Las Piñas, Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
“The IP community is vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation by communist rebels. They are more susceptible to recruitment,” according to Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, 79IB commanding officer.
“We chose to conduct this activity to bring hope to the IP community and make them feel that the government and other stakeholders both from public and private sectors are looking after their welfare,” he added.
Around 85 IP adults and children availed themselves of food packs, hygiene kits, face shields, facemasks, and slippers during the activity.
In the convention, former rebel “Ka Joross” shared his tough experiences in the mountains with the Communist Terrorist Groups, and how the government helped him after he laid down arms.
Executive Assistant Marianne Lumanog of the local government of Calatrava assured the IPs of security and assistance, especially on health programs.
Pedro Satuquia, chieftain of the Negritos Ata and Bukidnon Tribe, thanked the government for such interventions.
The activity was in collaboration with the Calatrava municipal government, Minapasuk barangay officials, 6th Special Action Battalion, Philippine National Police-Special Action Force, and Lady Riders Club-Negros Occidental./PN
