REACHING OUT TO COMMUNITY FOR PEACE: 53IB Conducts Community Service in Barangay Sunop, Dumingag, ZDS
Reaching out to the remote communities to promote peace and progress, the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) Charlie Company conducted community engagement activities in Barangay Sunop, Dumingag Zamboanga del Sur on April 12-18, 2021.
The Matapat Troopers led by 53IB Charlie Company Commander 2Lt. Magno Relado Jr. coordinated with Barangay Sunop Officials including Chief Tanod Romeo Canencia and SK Chairman Alfred Canencia.During their 7-day stay in Barangay Sunop, the Matapat Troopers manifested with the residents that the Army is always ready to serve the community.
They facilitated youth activities including volleyball and basketball sports fest and dance competition to promote teamwork and unity among the youth in the barangay.During the grand pulong-long assembly, the Matapat Troopers provided updates on the government’s ELCAC and E-CLIP projects and the Army’s efforts against communist terrorist groups in the area and discussed peace and order issues and concerns.
A flag-raising program was also conducted to promote respect for the national, patriotism, and nationalism among the residents along with house-to-house visitations, area patrols, Bible sharing, attending Sunday Catholic Mass, distribution of leaflets and transistor radios, and feeding programs and gift-giving for children.Some FRs (Friend Rescued) gave testimonies on the dangers of supporting the CPP-NPA. The FRs shared their experiences from the NPA to prevent the residents from supporting the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and avoid recruitment.
“The Matapat Troopers are conducting face-to-face interactions with the residents to bring them the good news that the government is genuinely serving the people toward peace and progress. We want to encourage them to win their trust and confidence in supporting the government’s program for their benefits,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.
