CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--The 58th Infantry "Dimalulupig" Battalion (58IB) together with its partner stakeholders and some family members and former comrades of New People's Army (NPA) rebels, paid a visit to apprehended NPA rebels and distributed gift packs, Christmas cards, and hot meals, at Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail and Cagayan de Oro City Jail.

Dubbed as “Oplan Christmas Visitation,” the activity aimed at visiting former rebels and/or captured NPA rebels in the precinct to boost their morale, bringing light and hope during the Christmas season, and show them that they are not neglected or forgotten despite their current situation.

A total of 21 NPA personalities, including alias Mosong and Maya, top NPA leaders in Misamis Oriental who were apprehended on September 16, were visited and given Christmas gift packs and hot meals sponsored by the Commonwealth Insurance Company, Cagayan de Oro branch, headed by Catherine Jean P. Ugmad, branch manager; and each was given a Christmas card with personal messages from their former comrades and family members, currently residing at 58IB.

Some of the detained NPA rebels became emotional, especially after seeing a family member for the first time in months and were extremely grateful for this visit as well as the giveaways.

"Through this initiative, we hope that we are able to bring hope and happiness to these apprehended NPA rebels despite their current situation, may this simple act mean something to them and inspire them to keep going and persevering. 'Habang may buhay, may pag-asa,' as the saying goes," 58IB Commanding Officer Ricky L Canatoy said.  (58IB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)