COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: 53IB Pushes for Peaceful Environment in Remote Areas of Dumingag, ZDS

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) Alpha Company promoted peaceful environments with Community Engagement Activities at Barangay Sinonok, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on March 13-23, 2021.

53IB A-Coy Commander 2Lt. Janryl Gumalad led the Matapat Troopers in coordination with Dumingag Mayor Joan Abejuela in Barangay Session Meetings with the residents and Barangay Sinonok officials led by Chariman Edgar Tan and Barangay Official Nildo Andayon.

During the meeting, the Matapat Troopers distributed leaflets with information against CPP-NPA recruitment. Transistor radios were also distributed to the residents.The Matapat Troopers also conducted loudspeaker to security awarenes campaign, Flag Rasing To promote reverence, love, pride, and loyalty to our Philippine Flag, and film showing for children.

“These activities were conducted to encourage the residents to turn away from the communist movement and encourage their NPA rebel relatives to return to the folds of the law and avail the of government services. We also intend to show them that the government and the Philippine Army care for them and we are ready to accept them,” 2Lt. Gumalad said.

To promote peace and security in the Barangay, the Matapat Troopers and Barangay officials facilitated the organization of Farmers Association, Women Organization, and Youth Association in Barangay Sinonok. A “Signal Tambayan sa Sinonok,” long bamboo bench, was constructed spearheaded by Barangay Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman Martino Tata, to serve as meeting area for the youth in the said barangay.