Sunday, July 24, 2016

Army pushes outreach program to neutralize NPA’s presence

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 23): Army pushes outreach program to neutralize NPA’s presence

The Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) in Malimono town, Surigao del Norte has intensified the implementation of the Army’s peace and development outreach program (PDOP) in an effort to end conflict and pursue peace in its locality.

Officials of MPOC have mobilized all department heads of the municipal government of Malimono as well as all barangay officials to extend support for all activities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the PDOP “Bayanihan” initiatives.

A declassified military intelligence source said some of the barangays of Malimono town are already penetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).


Because of this development, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30th IB) deployed PDOP quick reaction teams (QRTs) to intensify their “Bayanihan” approach to neutralize the NPA, said First Lieutenant Ryan Layug, 30th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer, yesterday.

“It’s time to put an end to the presence of NPAs in Malimono town,” said Mayor Wallace Sinaca during a recent MPOC meeting.

“Investors already denied us and we must not allow the next generations to face difficulty in finding jobs just because they came from an NPA-influenced town. We will implement and support PDOP,” he added.

“Some barangay chairpersons are now being manipulated by the NPAs. I will commit one company of soldiers here in Malimono to remove your fear and maintain security,” said Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, 30th IB commander.

According to reports from concerned residents, the NPA is desperate to maintain its hold in Malimono because of the small-scale illegal mining operations where they reportedly get a share. Farmers, fisherfolks, store owners, jeepney operators, government employees and other businesses in Malimono are being collected with revolutionary tax.

“This NPA activity must be stopped,” Col. Amaro added.

In another development, a total of 204 barangays of Surigao del Sur province had been cleared of rebel influence by the AFP.

Col. Isidro L. Purisima, commanding officer of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade said that this was through the collaborative efforts of “Bayanihan” which was conducted in the different communities, and government services which had been brought closer to the people.

“With the conduct of the series of youth leadership summits to the young adults, we empowered them and created awareness on their role in nation-building,” he said.

.... approved coal plants. But we should also be on the constant lookout and systematic search for new sources of renewable energy as a matter of national policy.

http://www.mb.com.ph/army-pushes-outreach-program-to-neutralize-npas-presence/

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