Kalinaw News: Series of dialogues enlighten Agusan del Norte villages on terror activities

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 6, 2020): Series of dialogues enlighten Agusan del Norte villages on terror activities

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion of the Army, in partnership with the local government unit of Carmen in Agusan del Norte recently conducted a series of consultations and dialogues in the different communities from November 16 to 30 this year. The 15-day activity was also supported by the Philippine National Police, other government agencies, the former rebels and the members of the barangay councils of each community.

The dialogues and consultations were aimed to address the issues and concerns of the residents in the barangays, particularly on peace and order, and on the presence and recruitment of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs). It also serves as venues where barangay officials and residents were informed on their responsibilities and roles in promoting peace and development in their community in relation to the implementation of Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to end the local communist armed conflict.

Residents were also given the opportunity to speak and ventilate their concerns especially on the security situation of their communities. They also admitted to being forced to provide support to the CNTs due to fear and intimidation. The CNT members who encroach in their communities, they pointed out, usually sow terror as a way of forcing the residents to contribute money, rice, and other necessities for the terrorist movement.

During the activities, former rebels shared their experiences while they were still part of the CNT movement and encouraged the residents to be united against the terrorists. Among those who shared his testimonies was Alias “Dansoy” who surrendered to the 23rd IB this year. Dansoy emphasized the importance of unity among the residents in communities, their vigilance, and the courage to stand up against the CNTs. He also asked the parents to protect their children from the influence and recruitment of the CNTs.

“Magtinabangay kita, panahon na para atong isakliway ang walhong grupo, ilabi na kay mi surrender na ko ka uban si Molo nga nagdumala dinhi sa Carmen. Dili na ta angay nga mahadlok pa sa NPA,” Dansoy said.

“Atong ampingan ang atong barangay para walay musolod na dautang grupo. Dili ta magpailad sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA. Ang paglambo sa usa ka lugar mag sugod kini sa kalinaw. Kung walay kalinaw sa isa ka lugar, walay kalambuan. Mao nga atong suportaran ang atong gobyerno, magkahiusa kita ug magtinabangay para makab-ot na to ang kalinaw nga dugay na natong gipangandoy. Atong protektahan ang atong barangay para dili makasolod ang dautang grupo,” Dansoy added.

The barangay captains of the different villages thanked the 23rd IB and the Local Government Unit of Carmen for the continued protection provided to their communities. They also urged their constituents to support the different initiatives of the government to bring developments in the communities.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB commended the different barangay councils of Carmen for the success of the activities and for their untiring pursuit to save their barangays from the CNTs. “I am glad over your willingness to support the different initiatives and interventions of the government to make your communities peaceful and developed,” Paulo said.

He also urged the remaining supporters of the CNTs to cut-off their ties to the communist movement and finally abandon the group’s false ideology. “Financing and giving in to their extortion schemes make you no different from the CNTs and it makes you equally liable for committing terrorism,” Paulo said.

Paulo added, “Sa dugay na nga panahon nga ang mga teroristang NPA nangilad sa inyo ug nag sulti nga tabangan mo nila pero ni abot na lang ang singkwentay dos (52) ka tuig nga nagsigi sila og pasalig kaninyo, apan bisag usa na lang sa ilang pasalig walay natuman. Ato nang undangon ang pasuporta sa walhong grupo nga CPP-NPA ug ato na silang isalikway. Dili na nato sila dawaton sa atong barangay.”

He also asked the residents to be watchful and united, as the insurgency is not only the concern of the soldiers but of all the members of the community. “To the remaining CNT members, it is the right time to go back to the fold of the law. In this time of Yuletide season, be with your family. Lay down your arms and the government will help you as you go on another journey towards the right path. Celebrating Christmas with our own family is the best gift of God to us.” 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/series-of-dialogues-enlighten-agusan-del-norte-villages-on-cnt-terror-activities/