DAVAO DEL NORTE (PIA)-- The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte (DDN) and the Philippine Army's 60th Infantry (MEDIATOR) Battalion (60IB) recently  turned over P100,000 worth of financial assistance to an indigenous people’s (IP)  farmers’ association.

During the turnover, 60IB commander, Lt. Col. Sumalinog,  emphasized the intent of the Philippine Army to push efforts to  sustain  “the peaceful, insurgency-free status of the communities within our area of operations.”

“Thus, we, as a unit, is continuously working with the local government units with the different line government agencies to ensure that the issues in the community are promptly addressed to protect the IPs from communist exploitation and from the deceptive scheme of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its allies,”  he said, addressing the “Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Lumad (United Indigenous Farmers) of Sitio Binuhi” based in Brgy. Datu Balong, San Isidro, Davao del Norte.

acknowledged the collaborative effort of the Davao del Norte local government, the 1001st Infantry Brigade, and 60IB in realizing the turnover of P100,000 asssitance.

He also assured the people of Sitio Binuhi that the government will continue to deliver its socio-economic development programs, especially in the previous conflict-affected communities.

In response, Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Lumad of Sitio Binuhi  chairperson Melesio Magalasin expressed gratefulness over the cash assistance granted to his organization which he expected to economically transform  the status of his members.

The project aims to provide a permanent and sustainable livelihood to the IP farmers of Sitio Binuhi and to serve  as a channel of government services to this community which was once under the influence of the communist terrorist group.  (JMDA/PIA DavNor/With reports  and photos from 60IB, PA)