Soldiers thank the community support despite calls to oust them from Barangay Elizalde, Maco, Compostela Valley

CAMP PANACAN, Davao City, Nov 27 (PIA) The military thanked the residents of Barangay Elizalde, Maco, Compostela Valley for supporting the peace and development outreach program teams whom progressive groups wanted to drive out of the community during a protest action in November 25.

Colonel Angelito De Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade said only the real residents of Barangay Elizalde can prove the relevance of the soldiers in ushering the services of government to their barangay.

"We thank the residents of the barangay for proving that PDOP teams indeed help. Hopefully, the progressive groups from other places will not attempt to disturb the peaceful living among residents here.  We will stay here to assist the residents” he said.

De Leon appealed to the people not to be misled and used by leaders of progressive groups to join protest actions to drive the soldiers out of their barangay.

He said that in compliance of the directive from the Compostela Valley Provincial Government, the military through the police will file charges against the protest organizers who had no permit and even prompted local residents to join in the r Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Borja, commanding officer of the 71st Infantry Battalion Commander said the presence of the troops in Barangay Elizalde is accepted by the residents.

He said resolution signed by the Barangay Council dated 17 May 2013 was even made requesting the presence of our PDOP teams to assist Brgy Elizalde in its path to economic progress.

“Why don't these progressive groups condemn the presence of the NPA who in reality are the ones bringing danger to the peace loving people,” Borja pointed out.

There were about 50 people who participated in the rally.

However, local residents pointed out that most of the participants were neither from Barangay Elizalde nor from municipality of Maco.

Guillermo Villarosa, a barangay resident said he would prefer to fix the barangay’s vegetable farm than joining the protest action since he is certain that he is truly helping his village.

Another resident who refused to be named affirmed that the presence of the soldiers boosts their confidence to live in their community peacefully

 (1LT VILMA D MOJADO, 1st Communication Information Company Commander, 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion)