ICC Iligan City (21 October) -- About 63 families with 282 persons housed at the evacuation center (EC) in Madrasah, Ceanuri Subdivision, Tomas Cabili, Iligan City have returned to Paiton in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (LDN) as of Oct. 21, 2008.
The said internally displaced persons (IDP) availed of the transportation services offered by the 4th Infantry Brigade, First Infantry Division (104th Bde), Philippine Army who escorted them to their homes.
Capt. Alonto Maamo, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer of 104th Bde said Paiton is already peaceful that's why the IDP's have asked to go back home and live their normal lives.
He said 104th Bde will provide them escort and security services and upon their arrival in Kauswagan town where they will be met by the local officials to be led by Municipal Mayor Jasser Samporna and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (DSWD).
Meanwhile, the Local Government of Kauswagan has given "pabaon" or food provision to the IDP's consisting of grocery packs of 3 kg. of rice, 2 packs noodles and 2 cans of sardines, per family.
On the other hand, Abel Jose A. Moya, Secretary and Programme Manager of the Pakigdait Alang sa Pag-amoma sa Kalinaw, Incorporated (Pakigdait, Inc.), a non-governmental organization in Iligan City, said that they have closely coordinated with the AFP for the safe return of the IDPs to Paiton.
He said, however, that 11 families of IDP's are left at the Ceanuri EC who could not return to Poona Piagapo, another hinterland town of LDN, because of the peace and order condition and without the recommendation of the AFP for them to go back to their residences in the area. (DJR/PIA 10)