RIZAL, CAGAYAN -- The commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion based in Alcala town assured the establishment of a new detachment in this town particularly at the Zinundungan Valley following the request of its residents and the local government unit.
Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, says that peace is everybody's concern. (PIA-2 photo)
The Zinundungan Valley in this town is just one of the barangays in the province where affectation of the New Peoples Army (NPAs) is very strong.
During the Joint Grand Pulong-Pulong for Peace and Development held in this town on Jan. 22, Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division said they are just waiting for the final approval for the establishment of a new detachment in the area to provide tighter security.
Saddam said while the establishment of a new detachment is on process, they will still augment regular troops at Zinundungan Valley.
“Hangga’t hindi sila [NPAs] sumusuko, laging nandiyan ang kasundaluan ng 5th ID,” Saddam said.
Peace is everybody’s concern
Barangay folks of Zinundungan Valley pledge to help the government in its fight against insurgency. (PIA-2 photo)
Saddam added that insurgency is a multifaceted problem and is everybody’s concern not only the military.
“Ito po ay problema nating lahat. Kapag may insurhensiya, ang pagaaral ng mga kabataan, ang pagbibigay ng basic services, kabuhayan, at iba pa ay apektado rin,” said Saddam.
Saddam said that every Rizalino should be vigilant and reminded them not to be enticed by the false promises of the NPAs. “When we entertain them, we give them reasons to stay,” Saddam added.
The Grand Pulung-Pulong is a continuing activity of the community support program of the Philippine Army with the aim to bring the government services closer to the barangay folks where insurgency is presence.
In this way, Saddam said they will have more appreciation about what the government is doing for them rather than "having thoughts of joining the rebels".
During the Grand Pulung-Pulong, representatives from the different national government agencies (NGAs) in the region presented their different programs and services to the residents of this town.
The agencies present were the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) , Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DSWD Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso informs the attendees on the different programs and services of their department. (PIA-2 photo)
A Ray of Hope
Saddam urged everyone to help the government in its fight against insurgency.
“We can’t do this alone. This fight against insurgency requires a convergence effort not only from us, working with the government, but most importantly, from you being at the ground,” Saddam said.
“I just hope that one day we can freely walk and ride going to and from Zinundungan Valley,” Saddam added.
For her part, Lawyer Brenda Ruma, mayor of Rizal expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Army, PNP and the NGAs present during the Grand Pulong-Pulong.
“Tunay nga na kapag may kaagapay, may kapayaan,” she said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017717
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