NCIP resolutions vs NPA earn military support

From the Manila Times (Nov 3, 2021): NCIP resolutions vs NPA earn military support (By Jerry M. Hernandez)

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac: The resolutions issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) condemning the alleged atrocities committed by communist terrorist groups (CTGs) to indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) have gained the support of the military.

In a press statement, Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief, expressed his full support to the three en banc resolutions of the NCIP.

The resolutions condemned the continued killing of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF); the radicalization, recruitment and exploitation of IP youth by the CPP-NPA-NDF; and the acts of the CPP-NPA-NDF in creating their "IP people's organizations" misrepresenting the true interests and situations of ICCs.

"With about 30 percent of IPs in the country from Northern and Central Luzon, we are committed to ending CTG's immoral and unlawful exploitation of the IPs as means for long-drawn armed struggle stained by violence and disrespect for human rights," Burgos said.

"As the IPs are the most vulnerable sector in our society, Nolcom extends its fervent support to the NCIP in ensuring that their rights are respected, and that they are protected from the deception, radicalization and exploitation of CTGs," he added.

Burgos also lauded the recent completion of a 70-meter long, anti-corrosive and 100 percent galvanized steel hanging bridge in Barangay Umiray in Dingalan, Aurora.

"The bridge will benefit hundreds of IPs living in the barangay as they will not have to take the risk of crossing the 70-meter-wide river bed for their daily needs," he added.

The project was made in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation and the municipal government.

Nolcom also signed a partnership agreement with the municipal government of Porac in Pampanga and the Philippine Business for Social Progress for the construction of 60 housing units for IP families who have been identified as "living in high-risk zones."

Meanwhile, an Aeta community in Sitio Kaitahan, Barangay Cadaclan in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija received a library set and solar lights from the military and its partners.

The Army's 84th Infantry Battalion led the outreach and gift-giving activity, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Makati-San Antonio and Rotary Club of San Jose Golden Harvest, and was also attended by officers of the 7th Infantry Division.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/03/news/regions/ncip-resolutions-vs-npa-earn-military-support/1820706