Kalinaw News: 18 MBs and SPL members withdraw support from the CTGs in Sto. Niño, Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 2, 2020): 18 MBs and SPL members withdraw support from the CTGs in Sto. Niño, Cagayan

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela– Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Eighteen members of Militia ng Bayan (MB) and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) operating in Cagayan Province withdrew their support from the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as they participated in an indignation rally at Sitio Lagum, Barangay Lipatan, Sto. Niño, Cagayan on September 30, 2020.

With the intensified implementation of Community Support Program (CSP) of 17IB, the said members together with the residents of the said place initiated the indignation rally followed by the burning of the CPP-NPA-NDF flags that manifested their withdrawal of support from the CTGs. The activity also symbolized their support to the 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Local Government Unit of Sto. Niño, the PNP and government line agencies in promoting peace in their community.

According to Gilmart Infante, one of the surrendered MBs, he will protect his children against the deception of the CTGs that just used him to pursue their selfish interest. “51 taon na ang ginagawang panloloko at panlilinlang ng mga teroristang NPA at kitang kita natin na sa loob ng ilang dekada, hanggang ngayon ay wala silang naibigay na prag unlad at pagbabago sa pamumuhay dito sa Sitio Lagum. Tuldukan na natin ang panlilinlang at kalokohan ng mga rebeldeng NPA na nagpapahirap sa atin” Infante said. He also added that he was grateful to the efforts rendered by the 17IB to ensure that their community will be freed from insurgency.

On the other hand, Lt Col Angelo C Saguiguit, Battalion Commander of 17IB, expressed his gratitude to the support and trust of the 18 surrendered MBs to their unit. This only shows that the effort in bringing the government services in their community has paid off. “Ang inyong kasundaluhan ay hindi magsasawang maglaan sa inyo ng oras upang kayo ay proteksyunan laban sa mga miyembro ng teroristang grupong NPA. Naririyan na ang mga programa para sa mga nagbabalik-loob gaya ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) at iba pang tulong mula sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan para sa buong komunidad. Patunay na natutugunan ng ating pamahalaan ang inyong mga suliranin sa maayos at malinis na pamamaraan. Ang tiwala na inyong ipinagkaloob sa 17IB ay magiging inspirasyon upang aming paigtingin pa lalo ang aming kampanya laban sa insurhensiya upang maihatid ang kapayapaan at pag-unlad sa inyong lugar.”

While, BGen Laurence E Mina, PA Commander of 5th Infantry Division commended the troops in their continuous effort to enlighten the people from the lies and deceits of the CPP-NPA and their alliances. BGen Mina said, “More and more deceived NPAs and supporters were enlightened due to the concerted effort of the government. Let this success story of Sitio Lagum inspire other communities in Cagayan to cease their support from the terrorist NPA. The people deserve nothing but genuine peace and prosperity.”

Moreover, 17IB conducted gift-giving and relief goods distribution to the 60 households with 220 residents in Sitio Lagum. During the said activity said unit also facilitated Operation Tuli.

Sitio Lagum is an insurgency infected community for four decades with no sign of progress, not until the said area was immersed by the CSP Teams of 17IB in partnership with the PNP and local government units and agencies.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/18-mbs-and-spl-members-withdraw-support-from-the-ctgs-in-sto-nino-cagayan/