160 conflict-free barangays get aid

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has identified 160 conflict-free barangays across Northern Mindanao that are eligible for anti-insurgency projects in 2022, according to an official of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

During an interview, 4th Infantry Division Commander MGen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said the efforts are currently ongoing to incorporate these identified barangays in National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF ELCAC) flagship program, the Support to Barangay Development Program(SBDP), for project funding.

The NTF ELCAC is a good program because the people in remote areas are benefitting from it. I hope that you will also support this so we can put an end to the problems of the local communist armed conflict.

He assured the community of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ continued assistance and commitment.

“We assure the barangay that we will not neglect them. That is why the SBDP is very important because under this are projects that will bring basic services closer to the people, especially those in far-flung areas,” he told Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

“We know that one of the root causes of insurgency is the non-delivery of basic services to the constituents,” he added.

MGen. Brawner explained that their agency is in charge of leading the Community Support Program for conflict-affected areas, which identifies programs and services that are much needed in the community.

He also urged public support for the government efforts to put an end to the insurgency that has been plagued the country in the past five decades.

“The NTF ELCAC is a good program because the people in remote areas are benefitting from it. I hope that you will also support this so we can put an end to the problems of the local communist armed conflict,” MGen. Brawner said.