50 Cafgus undergo refresher training

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 24): 50 Cafgus undergo refresher training

Around 50 members of the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) started their 14-day refresher training under the Philippine Army stationed in Bantay, Tabuk. Training runs from November 22 to December 6. Captain Rolito Nunag, commanding officer of the 77th Cadre Battalion, Echo Company, said the trainees are a composite group of Cafgus from Apayao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga. They will undergo lectures and leadership seminar for the whole duration to refresh them of their duties, instill good values, discipline, and responsibility. He said that in Kalinga alone, around 1,207 Cafgus are now assigned in different barangays augmenting government forces in maintaining peace and order. In Tabuk City, the Cafgus he said, are responsible in maintaining road security along major entry points to the province lessening the incidence of highway robbery for the past months. Road security, he said, was conducted on the request of Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac after the series of hold-up incidents in the area. During the opening program of the training, Colonel Prudencio Dimas of the 21st Infantry Battalion called on the Cafgu trainees to maintain a good image and live according to the discipline and responsibility they have learned just like a good soldier. “Show the people that they could depend on us not just on security but also in community development activities,” he said.  Cafgus in the communities, he said, not only maintain peace and order but they are also catalysts in preventing insurgents from returning to the communities. Without the insurgents, the people are given a better chance to build their communities to become economically active and progressive. “Be proud to be a Cafgu, and wear your uniforms with pride for you have been giving important contributions in your communities,” he said underscoring that aside from peacekeeping, the unit is also active in the various ‘bayanihan’ activities working side by side with the soldiers.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=191353621086