TACLOBAN CITY – About 32 former rebels and their families received healthcare services from the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s “Healthcare Fair and Medical Care” program.
The giving of healthcare services to the former members of the New People’s Army is part of the activities of the 802nd IB as it marks its 36 founding anniversary this month.
The 32 former rebels and 15 dependents were joined by 27 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries with seven dependents, 15 residents of Barangay Downes, including 63 army personnel and 19 dependents of military personnel.
The healthcare fair and medical care provide a free medical and dental check-up, tooth extraction, circumcision, bloodletting, and eye care check-up extended primarily to the former rebels and their families to assess their health status and receive information to address their health concerns and issues.
“On behalf of the men and women of the 802nd Brigade, accept my heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their support and assistance. We will not cease to think about the welfare and the morale of our personnel and their dependents, the former rebels, their families, and civilians as we continue the legacy of our service to everyone regardless of the social background and inclination within our area of operations,” B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, the 802nd brigade commander, said.
“Through this kind of partnership and collaboration with the government, non-government organizations, and kind-hearted individuals in delivering basic health services, we can send a message that unity provides a stable support system for the FRs as they transition back to the folds of society,” he added.
The 802nd official also assures the public that soldiers will remain committed to its mandate of protecting them while continuing the call of the government for the remaining active NPA members to live a normal and peaceful life. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
