Two-hundred Manobos received food packs distributed by the local government and Army in Lianga and Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.
Two hundred conflict affected indigenous people (IP) members received the food packs distributed by the local government unit along with soldiers of 3rd Special Forces battalion in Lianga and Marihatag Surigao del sur.
1Lt Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, the civil-military operations officer of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said they partnered with Lianga Mayor Novelita M. Sarmen and Marihatag Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to help the conflict-affected IP communities of Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga and Sitio Lucnodon, Mahaba of Marihatag Surigao del Sur.
He said sitios Simuwao and Lucnodon have stood up to the New People’s Army and its alleged front group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu), from gaining a foothold in their areas.
“We will not leave them behind during these trying times,” Punsalan said.
On Feb. 21, the NPA launched an attack on the Sumiwao that injured three civilians.
The Manobos also Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XIII for the month of March.
The IP leaders, led by Hawudon Jumar Bucales, expressed their gratitude to the third round of relief operations on their communities. He also assailed Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Campos Cullamat for using the Lumads to advance her party’s agenda.
“Eufemia is homegrown and already in congress but is selective in helping the IPs. She prioritizes Mapasu members alone and leaves behind those who are against their radical ideology,” Bucales said.
Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga tribal chieftain, said that with the entire budget they have in congress, Bayan Muna did not even attempt to put up any IP schools, farm-to-market roads, nor aid the IPs in this time of crisis.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Allan D. Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the LGU, battalion, and government agencies for their continuous delivery of basic services.
“We have to remember that we do not only address the COVID-19 virus but also the Communist NPA terrorist virus that corrupted our society for years. We have to put an end to both viruses,” Hambala said.
