31D, other gov't agencies break ground, turnover projects to ex-NPA in Aklan

31D, other gov't agencies break ground, turnover projects to ex-NPA in Aklan
MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY-- The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division with other government agencies joined in the ground breaking of the 28 housing units and turnedover of various projects to the members of KAPATIRAN, who were former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Ibajay, Aklan on March 10, 2022.

All housing units were constructed
by Army's 53rd Engineering Brigade.

Other development projects including the  Coco Mill and the Emergency Food Reserve (EFR) facility were also turneďover to the KAPATIRAN members.

According to the 31D, the Coco Mill is a facility constructed by the Provincial government of Aklan as its contribution to Kapatiran members in Ibajay KPDC site. Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity, Carlito Galvez Jr.,  led the inaguration of Ibajay Coco Mill facility.

The Emergency Food Reserve (EFR) facility, is a sub components of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program in conflict areas in Western Visayas of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

This project intends to support the long term livelihood of the KAPATIRAN and will benefit the neighboring barangay and towns through the provision of nutritious accessible ready to eat food to provide  sustenance during times of calamity and disasters.

The event was also attended by different government agencies like the DSWD, TESDA, DENR, PNP, NIA, Ibajay LGU and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity, Carlito Galvez Jr.,in his message said that the government is serious and committed in its journey towards peace to fulfill its obligations, as stipulated under all signed peace agreements.

Major General Benedict M Arevalo, 3ID Commander extended his appreciation to the  continuous government's effort through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), as it continues to push forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process.

"Your Army in Western and Central Visayas is thankful to all government agencies and stakeholders in their continous effort to ensure that the fruits of years of negotiations will result in the attainment of long and lasting peace," MGen Arevalo said.

KAPATIRAN was established in 2013 formerly known as Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade/Tabara-Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB/TPG), a faction separated from the CPP-NPA in 2000, the 31D bared.

It can be recalled that the group signed a Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) as the landmark peace agreement forged between the Philippine Government and KAPATIRAN on July of 2019.

In another development, 267 of its members Western and Central Visayas completed a 45-day Community Defense Unit (CDU) training on November 05, 2019 at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. The CDUs are responsible in safeguarding the KPDC as they transform their lives to contribute for the peace and development and nation building in their respective communities. (Photos: 31D/53rd EB)