CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – While various Army units are pursuing Islamic State-linked armed men in Maguindanao, others are extending medical and dental services in one of the conflict-affected towns in the province.
In partnership with the Maguindanao Peoples Medical Team, the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion on Thursday conducted medical and dental services to displaced families from Barangays Butilen and Butalo of Datu Salibo at the town’s municipal covered court.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the beneficiaries were those who have been displaced and affected during last week’s military operation against the group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) sub-leader Abu Toraife within the “SPMS box”.
The SPMS box refers to the adjacent towns of Datu Salibo, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, all situated in the province’s second district.
Lt. Colonel Alvin Iyog, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander, said the provision of health services recognizes “no boundaries, faith, culture and political affiliations.”
“Thus the Army got out of its way to help the needy. We will continue to facilitate the delivery of health services to the most affected communities that need medical attention,” Iyog said in an interview here Friday.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID chief and concurrent commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), hailed the troops, who on top of “protecting civilians from the BIFF in Central Mindanao, promotes the spirit of volunteerism and services to others.”
“It is with great pride for the JTFC to have served the people of Datu Salibo and address one of the most serious threats of violent extremism brought about by the BIFF who had been creating fear and sorrow to communities,” Sobejana said in a statement.
“It’s also a way of giving back, the JTFC launched medical mission and civic action programs for some communities after being assisted by the residents in the fight against the terror group,” Sobejana added.
Encinas said the Datu Salibo outreach program served a total of 228 persons–123 for medical check-up, 60 for dental services, and 45 children circumcised. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
