Davao De Oro – Former members of Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) victims of CPP-NPA-NDF deceit and exploitation underwent a four-day PEACE BUILDING SEMINAR which was initiated by the 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion in collaboration with LGU Pantukan headed by Mayor Roberto Yugo, which was held at Kolehiyo ng Pantukan, Brgy. Kingking, Pantukan, Davao de Oro from 10 to 13 November 2020.
The activity aimed to assist, guide and prepare the participants in their return to the folds of the law. Further, the activity also focused on promoting positive and healthy self-image, critical thinking, love of country, and the spirit of being selfless among the participants. This is also an opportunity for them to make aware on the projects and programs of LGU and the different LGAs offer which they may avail or benefit.
The success of the activity was attributed to the cooperation and partnership of the local government unit of Pantukan and stakeholders from the Province of Davao de Oro who was ever been constant in helping attain the peace and development of Davao de Oro: Hon. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Governor of the Province of Davao de Oro, Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Congressman of 2nd District of the Province of Davao de Oro, Hon. Roberto Yugo, Mayor of the Municipality of Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
Through series of lectures, group activities, workshops, consultations, the participants learned the sincerity of the government in helping them to prosper and attain peace in their everyday living. The participants were also re-oriented from communist ideology through deradicalization. The activity was culminated by a peace rally and declaring the CPP NPA NDF as Persona Non-Grata. The participants of the peace rally accounted to more or less 300, pledged to support the government in attaining peace in their respective areas.
Hon. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Governor of the Province of Davao de Oro provided and handed over 300 food packs to the participants. Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Congressman of 2nd District of the Province of Davao de Oro will also give ₱ 1000.00 financial assistance to each participant who showed their unity in ousting the CPP-NPA-NDF.
The activity was also graced by MGEN REUBEN S BASIAO INF (GSC) PA Commander, 10ID, PA. “The joint efforts of the 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion and the local government units of the Province of Davao de Oro and other stakeholders significantly facilitated the attainment and building of conflict-resilient communities, achieving long lasting peace and development in the province.”, MGen. Basiao, said.
“Peace and security is a shared responsibility. All sectors must contribute to the efforts of the government in ending local armed conflict which calls for a Whole of Nation Approach. Through collaboration and strong partnership with different stakeholders, peace and development in Davao de Oro will be achieved.” Lt. Col. Gonzales, said.
(CMO 71st IB | DPAO 10th ID | OIC Michael Manguhig, RPN DXKT Davao)