In support of internally displaced persons (IDP’s) affected by the recent encounter between the Government troops and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) early morning of Saturday January 29,2022. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 2 quickly responded. The DSWD provided financial assistance and relief goods to a total of fifty-nine (59) families from municipality of Gonzaga, Cagayan.
The CTG presence at the said municipality prompted the government-security troops to conduct a hot pursuit against the CTG last Saturday particularly at Brgy. Sta Clara, Gonzaga, Cagayan. CTG presence affected the community particularly the Agta and Igorot tribe members who were forced out from their homes and evacuated by the government in a safer shelter at the Barangay gymnasium.
The Government (DSWD) led by Regional Director Mr. Cezario Joel Espejo, DSWD RO2, with the assistance of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) provides temporary shelter, hygiene kits, family food packs and Php 3,000 each to affected families on the said Sitio.
The Provincial Director of Cagayan, PCOL Renell R Sabaldica, alerted all Police Stations in relation to the encounter that happened at Gonzaga to be in full alert for a possible diversionary tactics. Further, all PNP personnel in the region were reminded to be alert and must be observant at all times.
The government-security sectors will continue pushing its presence in all communities to counter the insurgency-propaganda of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the country to help bring inclusive and sustainable peace.
Espejo said that the DSWD RO2 will carry on its mandate under Executive No. 70 (NTF-ELCAC) in a whole-of- nation approach, to provide necessary aide and support to all affected persons.
Sources: PIA 2/Cagayan PPO/Gonzaga PS
By: Empoy Kabrador
