Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte– The troops of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion initiated peace and consultation dialogues or locally known as pulong-pulong to conflict-affected communities in the town of Carmen in Agusan del Norte last July 21, 2020.
The communities involved were Barangays Poblacion and Rojales with the concerted efforts of the members of the barangay councils and the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police Community Support Program-Community Action (CSP-ComAct) teams who are on immersion in said barangays.
The topics discussed during the pulong-pulong include the primary issues and concerns of the residents particularly the recruitment of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) among the youth, the peace and order situation, livelihood, and the plans and programs of the government to bring more developments in the area. The activity was attended by the identified supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front (NDF) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). The said supporters are known for providing food, financial, information on the whereabouts of the government forces, and other forms of support to the NPA.
During the open forum, the participants were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns especially on their security situation. They also admitted that they are forced to provide support to the CTGs because of fear and the threats from the armed group.
During the activity, Councilor Jasper Jay Ledesma of Barangay Poblacion expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the 23rd IB troopers for protecting and saving the barangay from the threats of the CPP-NPA. “Atong ampingan ang atong barangay para walay musolod na dautang grupo. Dili ta magpailad sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA,” Ledesma said. He also encouraged the residents to do their duties and responsibilities as concerned citizens by protecting their community from the CTGs. “Magkahiusa kita ug magtinabangay para makab-ot nato ang kalinaw nga dugay na nato nga gipangandoy,” Ledesma said.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB urged the CTG supporters to cut-off their support and connection with the group.
“Financing and giving in to their extortion schemes make you no different from the CTGs and it makes you equally liable for committing terrorism. The funds generated by the CTGs are used to wreak havoc in the communities claiming the lives of innocent civilians and damage to properties that impedes development in your communities,” Paulo said.
He added that giving in to the demands of the CTGs does not indicate that the residents are protected and the community will not benefit from supporting the terrorist groups.
“Let us help the government by supporting the Executive Order 70 to end Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Anti-Terror Law. You can always call on to your Army especially the 23IB if your life is at stake, we are always willing to protect you as we always look forward to serve our beloved Filipino people and secure our land,” Paulo said.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-conducts-consultations-in-conflict-affected-communities-in-agusan-norte/
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