Soldiers assist former NPA rebel’s birth delivery

Alias Tanya, 24 years old and her husband alias Paypay, both belong to B’laan tribe and locals of Makilala, North Cotabato are expecting their firstborn child when they decided to surrender on October 6, 2021 to the local officials in said province after a thorough realization of the kind of future they might bring to the child.

Since their surrender, the couple received utmost 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 Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, the 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 which the insurgents cannot provide.

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, likewise paid the hospital bills and provided enough food packs for the couple and the child.

Alias Tanya thanked for the care and support provided to them from the time of their surrender until her delivery.

“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 said province and their effort and unity to bring peace in the province.

“We are thankful to Congressman Caoagdan and Governor Catamco as they unify and complement each other’s effort in sustaining peace in the province particularly in attending to the needs of our lost brothers and sisters returning to the folds of the law," Balagtey said.