As part of its efforts to contribute to the country’s peace agenda, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided food assistance to the former members of groups affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) from different urban poor communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Saturday, April 22.

DSWD Inclusive – Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Undersecretary Alan A. Tanjusay spearheaded the distribution of family food packs to some 300 former members of the Zone One Tondo Organization (ZOTO) and Koalisyon ng Maralita (KnM) during the returnee’s oath-taking ceremony and general assembly held at Munting Nayon Covered Court in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.

The former members of the said groups were based in different relocation sites and areas for demolition in the cities of Caloocan, Manila, and Pasig, as well as in the provinces of Bulacan and Rizal, and were formed to call for the government’s support for their livelihood and settlement.

In his message, Usec. Tanjusay extended his gratitude to the returnees for folding back to the government and for cooperating with their group leaders as they reintegrate into society.

“Nawa’y magtuloy-tuloy at mas marami pa kayong mahikayat na kababayan natin na sumapi sa ating samahan (We hope that you continue to encourage more of our fellow-Filipinos to join our cause),” Usec Tanjusay said as he witnessed former ZOTO and KnM members take their oath of support to the government.

Organized by the Peace and Development Task Force (PDTF), in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the participation of the DSWD in the general assembly of the former members of CPP-NPA-NDF-affiliated groups is a milestone partnership between the concerned parties.

According to Ms. Rose Marie Algodon, wife of the founder of the PDTF and a former member of KnM herself, it was the first time the DSWD reached out to their group and given assistance.

“Talagang ramdam namin ang pag-abot ninyo para sa aming urban poor… Ramdam namin na direkta na kaming makahihingi ng assistance para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga maralitang taga-lungsod (We really feel that the government is ready to help the urban poor… We feel that we can directly seek assistance from DSWD to address the needs of the urban poor), Ms. Algodon said.

PDTF is a non-government organization established by Pastor Joel Algodon, a former member of KnM to promote peace and encourage those affiliated with and involved in the activities of CCP-NPA-NDF groups to return to the government.

The DSWD undersecretary said the provision of food packs to the former members of groups affiliated with CPP-NPA-NDF was not just a simple turnover of boxes but it also symbolizes hope among them.

One of the recipients of food packs named ‘Ate Rosaly,’ 58 years old, and a former ZOTO member, shared her view: “Malaking bagay po iyan dahil marami kaming nakatira sa aming bahay. para may pangsuporta sa mga apo ko (These food packs are indeed helpful for us as we are a big family, it can support my grandchildren).”

The DSWD vows to continue to support those affiliated with communist terrorist groups, such as the members of ZOTO and KnM, as part of its implementation of Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018, the national law that institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to attaining inclusive and sustainable peace. #