AFP to integrate more CPLAs, recruit additional CAFGUs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 4): AFP to integrate more CPLAs, recruit additional CAFGUs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured it will integrate additional former members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) to the military and train more civilian auxiliary forces in order to sustain the improving peace and order situation in the region.

MGen. Joel Ibañez, commanding general of the 5th Infantry Division, said they will offer additional recruitment quota for the CPLA provided they undergo the disarmament, disposition and reintegration (DDR) process.

“We want that the bayanihan program of the AFP is co-implemented by former armed groups and trained militias so that they themselves can feel the joy and satisfaction of working together for the welfare of the communities,” he said.

He said former rebels will not only be recruited to provide security and fight insurgents but also to help bring public service to the far-flung barangays through the AFP’s bayanihan program and convergence with local government units and national agencies.

On the other hand, Col. Roger Salvador, commanding officer of the 501st infantry brigade said they will also target to recruit 120 Civilian Auxiliary Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs) particularly from Balbalan and Pinukpuk to provide security in areas still infiltrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).

As reported by Lt.Col. Felix Benitez, commanding officer of the 21st infantry battalion, four mountain barangays in Balbalan and four also in Pinukpuk are still NPA territories and are under the military’s tight watch.

Last month, 40 CAFGUs finished the basic military training courses held here and were dispatched to their areas of origin to beef up security and civil action manpower during outreach missions.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171362109058