DEL PILAR, Cabadbaran City – The Provincial Local Government Unit of Agusan Del Norte in collaboration with the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion and 544th Engineer Construction Battalion, celebrated a significant milestone in their peace and reconciliation efforts with the turnover and inauguration of a newly built housing unit for Friends Rescued (FRs) of the 29IB on June 19, 2024 at Brgy Victory, Municipality of Tubay, Agusan del Norte.
Max and Jen, the beneficiaries of the new housing unit, expressed their gratitude: “We are deeply thankful to God, to the soldiers, and to you, Governor. We would not have been able to achieve this on our own. I had always dreamed of having a decent home, but my plans were disrupted when I was recruited (into the movement). Now that I am here, I will strive hard and help others in need. I call on others like me to come down because I now have a home here. The government will help us.”
Hon. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Governor of Agusan del Norte, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the ceremony. In her speech, Governor Amante highlighted the importance of reintegration programs and the role of housing in providing stability and a fresh start for the Friends Rescued. “When people come together, we can set an example with what we’ve accomplished, serving as a model for other places. Our care for those who have returned to the fold of the government should be equal for everyone,” said Governor Amante.
Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural, Commander of the 901 Infantry Brigade remarked, “To Max and Jen, congratulations sa inyo atleaast nakita nyo ang tamang landas para ma achieve natin ang ating inaasam-asam na peace. Ano ba ang mission ng 901st Brigade at ng 29th Infantry Battalion? We conduct peace, law enforcement and development support operations to dismantle the Communist Terrorist Groups in the area and sustain security stability in order to attain, achieve lasting unity and reconcialition towards lasting peace and development and to facilitate or induce surrender ng mga members ng CTGs. Yan yung gustong-gusto namin hindi yung may napapatay kami sa bundok.”
“The government both national and local ay gagawa ng paraan para masolve yung mga pangagailangan natin para sa lasting peace.”- Brigadier General Sadural emphasized.
