Soldiers of the Army’s 602nd ‘Liberator’ Infantry Brigade (IB) on Friday brought smiles to some 32 Moro children belonging to poor families in a village in Carmen, North Cotabato.

Described as “A Day of Fun with the Liberators”, the activity served as the Army’s team-building with the kids and part of the pre-anniversary activities of the brigade.

Some of the kids, who were from the village of Kibayao, were children of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members.

“The ‘Liberator’ aims to help these children enjoy and encourage them to go to school,” Brig. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., the 602nd IB chief, said.

Rosario said three of the 32 kids will be provided with educational assistance by the Army, while the rest will be monitored regularly so they could sustain their studies.

As part of the activity, the Army troopers toured the kids around a fast-food chain in Kidapawan City, where they were treated with food and a party with mascots. The kids were then toured around a mall where they enjoyed games at the arcade.

Back in the camp, the kids also played soccer and got their chance to ride military vehicles and watch the soldiers perform a special drill.

“What happened today is just the start of your Army’s continuing help to ensure you are in school. We are your friend. We are your protectors. We are not your enemies,” Rosario told the kids.

“We have other programs for you. Your government is ready to serve you through us,” he said in Filipino.

Rosario also reiterated three things that the children must do — study well, love and obey their parents, and respect and follow their teachers. (PNA)