CHIRSTMAS SPIRIT. Soldiers led by Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir (left) brought Christmas cheers to a previously rebel-influenced remote village in Eastern Samar on Dec. 18, 2023. The activity is part of the army's effort to block the recovery attempts of the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – Soldiers brought Christmas cheers to a previously rebel-influenced remote village in Eastern Samar as part of their effort to block the recovery attempts of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Troops of the 78th Infantry Battalion under the 802nd Infantry Brigade sang Christmas carols and gave gifts to poor families, senior citizens, and children in San Mateo village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Dec. 18.
Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said in a phone interview Tuesday that the activity served as a way of sharing some blessings with the poor in the form of Noche Buena packages.
Donated goods were raised out of the soldiers’ contribution of a one-day meal allowance each.
“When collected, we were able to raise a considerable amount to buy Noche Buena packages. Some stakeholders and friends of the brigade have also contributed additional cash for the gift-giving,” Vestuir said.
The singing of Christmas carols and “Santa patrol” in the former NPA mass base area aim to secure the people and prevent the recovery efforts of the NPA remnants, according to the official.
Soldiers wore Santa caps while singing carols and giving Christmas gifts. food packs and candies to children.
“We are grateful for the voluntary donation of our troops as a way of sharing the blessings that they received with our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have less time to enjoy the festiveness of the Christmas season,” Vestuir added.
The remote communities of Borongan City used to be one of the centers of NPA terrorist activities in Samar Island.
On Nov. 11, 2019, at least six soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded when the NPA detonated six explosives and fought with government troopers in a remote Pinanag-an village in the city.
After a month, a junior police officer and an old woman were killed on the spot, while four other policemen and 12 civilians, including three minors, were injured in a roadside blast attack launched by rebels. (PNA)
