Members of the National Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) have assisted a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in giving birth to her first child at Amas Provincial Hospital in North Cotabato on November 12.
Alias Tanya, 24, and her husband alias Paypay, both belong to B’laan tribe of Makilala, North Cotabato were expecting their firstborn child when they decided to surrender last October 6, 2021 to local officials realizing the kind of future of the child.
Since they surrendered, the couple have actually undergone care and marital assistance from the government through the NTF-ELCAC.
The NTF-ELCAC’s primary aim is to give better lives to former rebels or those who will surrender to the positive side of the society.
According to Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion based in Davao del Sur, the former rebels have left the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to be able to start and give their child the best life possible.
Balagtey said they are provided with vitamins, nutrients, and other essentials needed for the welfare of the newly-born child.
He said the government pledged to support them until the child grows strong and healthy.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of North Cotabato, paid the hospital bills and provided food packs for the couple and child.
Alias Tanya expressed gratitude to the care and support since the time they surfaced.
“I cannot thank you enough for all the help you have given me for my healthy pregnancy and labor. I did not have any regrets surrendering for I know the government today has a big heart for the people like us,” she said in vernacular.
“We thank you for all of the efforts you give for us to understand the beauty of freedom and living in peace,” Tanya added.
Balagtey expresses appreciation to the leaders of the province in their unity of effort to bring peace in the province.
“We are thankful to Congressman Caoagdan and Governor Catamco as they complement each other’s efforts in sustaining peace in the province particularly in attending to the need of our lost brothers and sisters returning to the folds of the law,” Balagtey said.
