Peace council gives cash gift to over 800 CAFGU volunteers
By Nora C. Lanuza
BUTUAN CITY – Members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Agusan del Norte recently received economic relief assistance from the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Agusan del Norte.
Each of the 850 CAAs received a cash gift of P5,000 and a sack of rice.
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| A CAFGU, received the cash gift and sack of rice from the members of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council. (Photo courtesy of 29IB) |
According to Lt. Col. Cresencio C. Gargar, commander of the 29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion, the majority of the CAA members were former rebels who were reintegrated into society to support and augment the regular troops of the PA in addressing external and internal security concerns in the province.
Agusan del Norte, Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, chairperson of the PPOC and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), thanked the CAAs for their dedication and tireless commitment in fulfilling their duties and for serving as role models in the community they serve.
“Your selfless service to our community has not gone unnoticed, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for the vital role you play in upholding peace and security in our beloved province. Your commitment to the objectives outlined in Executive Order 70, or ‘Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace,’ has played a crucial role in achieving a conducive and peaceful community,” Amante said.
Clint Archer Rivera expressed his appreciation for the provincial government’s generosity, saying, “Kaning among nadawatan, dako kaayo ug tabang para kanako ug sa akong pamilya aron makapadayon sa pagserbisyo sa atong komunidad (The gifts we received today greatly help our families, and we are motivated to continue to serve our community).”
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Over 800 CAFGUs gathered in one venue to receive the blessings from the government. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)
Gargar also shared that the economic support to the CAA was anchored on the theme, “Biyayang Handog: Financial Para sa Makisig Nating Kasamahan na Walang Sawang Nakabantay na Magdamagan.”
“These brave individuals play a pivotal role in supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in addressing internal threats, contributing significantly to the peace and development of our community,” he said.
The provincial government of Agusan del Norte continues to formulate initiatives as manifestation of its commitment to improve the status and quality of life of these friends rescued by ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized and supported so they will continue to stand firm in fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the region. (NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)
