MikeLigalig.com

source: pna.gov.ph

An Army division commander and a brigade commander rallied on Friday local government officials and civic organizations in launching what it described as "hitting three birds with one stone."

Done in one day, the Army's 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division and the 601st Infantry "Unifier" Brigade, along with the Maguindanao provincial government conducted a joint medical mission, hybrid seeds distribution and inauguration of farm-to-market roads in the town of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.

More than 3,000 less fortunate constituents coming from the conflict affected areas of Amptuan, Datu Hoffer, Sharif Aguak, Datu Unsay, and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, all of Maguindanao flocked to the municipal hall of Datu Hoffer, to avail free services catered by the Philippine Army and the local government unit of Maguindanao.

The 601st brigade led by Colonel Edmundo Pangilinan and its units, 33rd, 46th, 68th, 45th and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion with the partnership of LGU of Maguindanao Province, LGU of Datu Hoffer Municipality, Rotary Club of Tacurong and Sultan Kudarat Doctor’s Hospital joined hands in the conduct of "Grand Medical and Dental Mission."

The 6th Infantry Division and the Maguindanao Provincial Medical and Dental Team provided free medical check-up, dental services and circumcision with free medicines, while the Rotary Club of Tacurong and team from Sultan Kudarat Doctors Hospital extended free eye check up.

Feeding program to the children was conducted while hybrid corn seeds, school bags and relief goods including slightly used clothes were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

Likewise, Army personnel provided free haircut to the children and elderly.

Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, 6th ID commander has expressed his gratitude for the positive response of the constituents of the said municipalities in the conduct of the activity.

“I am happy today because for the days that we were here in this place I only saw few civilians around, but today I’m glad to see thousands of you here, this is a typical example of our campaign plan “Bayanihan,” let’s help each other to attain lasting peace, we will renew always our commitment to serve you, our mandate is to serve and protect you, we will always be here at all times for the purpose of peace and development, we are your soldiers, Kayo ang Boss namin,” Gen. Ardo said.

On the other hand, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, quoted a verse in the Holy Qur'an in expressing his gratitude to the joint efforts.

“Ayon sa Banal na Koran tayong lahat ay magkakapatid maging Muslim, Kristiyano o Teduray (indigenous) ka man, di natin kailangang magpatayan lahat ay nareresolba sa mapayapang pamamaraan. (The Koran says that all of us are brethren, Muslims, Christians, indigenous peoples. We don't need to kill each other because all misunderstanding can be solved peacefully)," Mangudadatu said.

"Isa lang po ang aming hiling na suportahan natin ang usaping pangkapayapaan para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng ating probinsya (I only have one wish and that all of us will support the peace process so we can attain peace and development in our province)," he added.

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