PTF-ELCAC to open roads in ZamboSur’s hinterlands

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 1, 2021): PTF-ELCAC to open roads in ZamboSur’s hinterlands (By Gideon C. Corgue)

PAGADIAN CITY, May 1 (PIA) - The 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army not only conducts combat operations but it also conducts many community works especially in the hinterlands.

Thus, revealed Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, commanding officer of the unit during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting held recently at Balay Bisaya, Provincial Government Center, Dao this city.

Herrera said the unit was assisted by the 547th Engineer Battalion and 551st Engineer Battalion, Philippine Army in implementing ELCAC projects in the province by opening roads in the hinterlands.

The roads to be opened soon are as follows: Barangay Pawan to Pisompongan in Midsalip town; Barangay Datagan, Guipos to New Tuburan, Tigbao; and Barangay New Katipunan-Licuro-an- Pawan, Midsalip to DatuTotoca in Dumingag town.

Herrera said the opening of the roads is aimed at disrupting the mobility of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) and providing basic services to people in very remote areas.

“The opening of roads are synonymous to the access of basic services. Through this, we can bring all government services to the hinterlands, ”Herrera explained.

"If we can open these roads that connect one barangay to other municipalities, we will totally disrupt the movements of CPP-NPA who are operating in that area," Herrera added.

Herrera added that these roads are very important because such areas are the ‘mobility corridors’ and traditional routes of the CPP-NPA.

He said that the NPA does not want roads so they burn government equipment but once the roads are opened, the NPAs will not be able to pass through those barangays.

Herrera added the province is very lucky due to the presence of Philippine Army battalions that provide security to the people including the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 1st Field Artillery (Beat 'Em) Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, 1st Civil Military Operations (CMO) and the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army.

"We are also lucky because with the help of this security sector we have had the most ELCAC projects maybe not only in the region but in the entire country," Herrera proudly announced. (EDT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1073694