Ang Pahayagan

AURORA-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) in the province of Aurora facilitated the distributions of sacks of rice to 493 former rebels (FRs) and supporters as an early Christmas gift, a top military official in Aurora.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that the distributions were conducted from November 14 to 18, 2023 in line with the FRs transformation program, aims to ensure the successful integration of FRs into mainstream society and strengthen the resiliency of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)-cleared communities.

“It’s our commitment to help FRs towards their reintegration into society and providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. We are always on their side as part of our commitments to their journey of new way of life for peace, prosperity and development,” Recto said.

Each officers and members of the 17 Peoples Organizations (POs) organized by 91st IB received 25 kilos of rice with a total of 250 sacks.

“This is our way to bring hope and happiness to our FRs, more assistance will be given by the government as one way of sustaining the gains after winning the peace in the community,” Recto said.

Meanwhile, all of the POs Presidents expressed their sincerest thanks to 91st IB and OPAPRU for the early gifts they received.

“We are happy for the gifts, it’s nice to live in normal life and be a partner of government. We are grateful of the overwhelming support coming from 91st IB and OPAPRU,” they said. (Jason de Asis)