“ARMY gives early Christmas gifts to Community Harassed by NPAs”

MACO, Compostela Valley Province – Army’s 71IB and other NGOs conducted stress debriefing and medical and dental mission at Barangay Calabcab, Maco, Compostela Valley today.

 

A stress debriefing was initiated through the collaboration of Kiwanis Club of Tagum, Therma Marine Incorporated Aboitiz Group of Company, Local Government of Maco and 71st Infantry Battalion. Series of activities were conducted to assess the adverse effects of the violent attack of NPA to the Barangay and to help the residents, especially children, to cope up from the traumatic incident that they have experienced. Pre-Christmas presents to include toys and slippers were given to 101 kids in said community. They had also a free Jollibee meal during their lunch.

 

On the other hand, there were also free medical and dental services wherein 191 residents benefitted. 43 residents availed of free cleaning and tooth extraction while 148 others had their free medical consultation/check-up and subsequently was given appropriate medicines.

 

Col Jerry Borja, 71IB Commander said, “These activity will not be successful if there was no cooperation between the stakeholders. We are also thankful that the Barangay Council of Calabcab gave their full support in this activity and realized the importance of cooperation to have peace and development in their Barangay.”

 

Meanwhile, the restoration to the damaged Barangay Hall, Health Center and Day Care Center in Brgy. Calabcab, Maco, Comval was started weeks after the attack of 60 members of the New People’s Army on October 18 wounding six soldiers and two civilians.

 

The Army’s Peace and Development Team in coordination with LGU Maco is currently re-building the Barangay Hall and the houses damaged after a grenade that was thrown by NPAs exploded.