The Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion has intensified its awareness campaign to counter the recruitment and extortion activities by the communist rebels, particularly among the government officials in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
An information awareness drive was conducted on Friday, December 10, at the Municipal Hall of Toboso, and was participated by Mayor Richard Jaojoco, barangay captains and representatives from the nine barangays of Toboso headed by Roberto Villasis and PNP personnel led by PCpt Paul Kenneth Magan, an Army press release said.
Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, 79IB commander, provided the overview of the activity highlighting how the barangay officials can contribute to the government’s whole-of-nation approach to end local armed conflict and finally eliminate insurgency, particularly in Toboso.
The participants were briefed on the local security threats, various strategies of the NPA in luring residents into the terrorist organization, and their infiltration efforts to the different sectors such as labor, indigenous people, farmers and students/youth. They were also informed on the salient provisions of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the penalties it provides for public officials who extend support to a terrorist group, the press release said.
The various efforts of the Philippine Army in clearing focus barangays under the influence of the CTGs were likewise shared to the participants.
In his message, Mayor Jaojoco thanked 79IB for initiating the activity. He urged the barangay captains to closely collaborate with the Philippine Army and local PNP to ensure that NPA’s would never regain their strength and conduct recovery efforts in their respective Barangays.
Meanwhile, Javines enjoined the participants not to be persuaded “by the senseless ideology and so called-help from the NPA’s”.
“The attainment of an insurgency-free community requires a collective effort from all sectors of the society, much from public officials. The AFP and PNP cannot do it alone. Without your support, we can only do so little. Hence, I encourage the local officials to perform your duties and obligations on the ambit of good governance. Let us give our people the peace and development they certainly deserve. Further, let us continue to strive and help the government’s effort to finally put an end to the decades-long insurgency”, Javines said.*