AFP leads turnover of housing project to 200 rebel returnees, IPs

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Cirlito Sobejana leads the ground-breaking for 200 housing units for former rebels and indigenous people in Godod, Zamboanga Del Norte (May 31). AFP PAO

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Cirlito Sobejana led the ground-breaking ceremony for 200 housing units for former rebels and indigenous people (IPs) in Godod, Zamboanga Del Norte on Monday.

According to Sobejana, the project is considered a “big step” towards liberating them from the harsh violence of the communist rebels.

The project is spearheaded by the AFP along with the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict -ZDN, Multiple Task Force- ELCAC Godod, and the National Housing Authority with other partner agencies.

One hundred housing units will be provided to the former New People’s Army members while the remaining units will be offered to the internally displaced Subanen or Kalibugan IPs.

Sobejana said that they will continue to promote peace and boost the community of Godod through open dialogue among the community leaders and its citizens.

He also thanked the agencies which helped in the housing project for the shelter of the families of the former rebels and IPs in Godod.

Officers from the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo and ground commanders from ZDN, Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas of the 102nd Brigade and Brigadier General Anthony Cacayuran of the 54th Engineer Brigade were also found present in the event. — Sofia Vertucio, Inquirer trainee

EDV