The military distributed more than PHP500,000 in calamity cash assistance on Tuesday to 30 soldiers under the 601st Infantry Brigade (601Bde) who were affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on June 8.

The distribution was led by Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, the commander of the 601Bde, and was made possible through voluntary contributions from the Unifier Foundation of the 601Bde, the 90th Infantry Battalion (IB), the 1st Mechanized IB, the 34th IB, and the 38th IB.

“We should be the ones extending help rather than being the ones receiving it,” Catu said as he thanked the troops who contributed to support their fellow soldiers during a simple ceremony held at the 601Bde headquarters in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

He noted that the beneficiaries continue to serve in maintaining peace and security in their areas of responsibility despite being far from their families.

Catu emphasized that unity and concern for fellow soldiers remain integral to the “esprit de corps” of the 601st brigade troops.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, also thanked everyone who took part in the initiative, particularly the 601Bde and its participating battalions.

Cagara stressed that the welfare of soldiers and their families should remain a priority, recognizing the sacrifices they make by serving the nation and spending long periods away from their loved ones.

He added that the initiative should inspire other military units to strengthen cooperation and compassion among soldiers, noting that the collective effort reflects the Armed Forces’ core values of “Malasakit, Bayanihan, and Service Above Self.” (PNA)