Abra multi-sectoral group sets “operation tulong” for “Ondoy” victims

by Maritess Beñas

Bangued, Abra (3 October) — The Abra Multi-Sectoral Group (AMSG) is appealing to all Abrenios to support its drive dubbed as Operation Tulong to Typhoon Ondoy victims.

In a special meeting of the working group of the AMSG called by its chairman, Bishop Leopoldo C. Jaucian, SVD, DD, underscored the urgency of raising donations in cash and in kind for the relief operations in the affected areas.

The appeal is now aired over the local radio. People are being asked to bring their help in cash or in kind like clothes and food stuff and even medicines to the DZPA-CMN radio station in Bangued.

The donations will be sent directly to the affected areas through the bishops of the dioceses in the Rizal province and other cities of Metro Manila to facilitate the distribution to typhoon victims.

It may be recalled that Abra was also a recipient of help from neighboring provinces and even from the international community during the killer quake of July 16, 1990, and Typhoon Feria of July 2001.

Meanwhile, as the AMSG’s primary purpose is to foster peace and order in the province, the clergy and police – members continue their efforts on peace-building.

Provincial Police Director PSSupt. Charlo Collado, reported to the body the result of the dialogue between and among the people of Brgy. Quillat in Langiden last September 29, 2009.

The dialogue was attended by Mayor Noel Castillo and other local officials of the municipality to thresh out the problem on the continuing killings in the barangay.

Fr. Drexel Ramos, the parish priest of the place, had expressed anxiety over the situation because it seems that the killings are caused by revenge and that even a young girl from the warring families became a victim.

Fr. Ramos even offered the premises of the chapel in the barangay for Abra PNP to put up a temporary Community Police Assistance Center (COMPACT).

The COMPACT aims to neutralize the peace and order situation in the barangay to avert further killings. (PIA-Abra)