ILOILO City – The Philippine Army (PA) is asking for public cooperation as it started deploying teams on the ground to implement its Community Support Program (CSP). The goal is to clear Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)-affected areas here.
Yesterday, the PA’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) together with the city government and Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) held a send-off ceremony for CSP teams to be deployed to seven barangays here.
The teams, which belonged to the 33rd CMO Coy of the 3ID, have the task to clear the areas affected by activities of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“Diri sa Iloilo City, may mga na-identify kita nga mga barangays affected sang presence sang mga legal fronts sang CPP-NPA nga naga-organize kag naga-mobilize sang mga tawo…mga patalang nga mga propaganda against sa gobyerno,” said ICPO director Police Colonel Uldarico Garbanzos.
The seven barangays were West Timawa, North Fundidor and South Fundidor in Molo district; Nava-is, Mandurriao; Sinikway, Lapuz; Baldoza, La Paz; and Hechanova, Jaro.
According to Garbanzos, several activities and dialogues with people in these communities will be conducted.
Lieutenant Colonel Rommil Abayo, commanding officer of the 3ID’s 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion, said all CSP activities will adhere to the International Humanitarian Law.
“Talagang i-adhere at strictly observed ang implementation ng human rights at habang naga-conduct kita sang white area operation, naga-deliver kita ng mga peace and development,” said Abayo.
The official appealed for the Ilonggos’ cooperation.
“Kami sa military kag sa Philippine National Police (PNP) ara gid sa inyo para suportahan ang programs sang aton gobyerno…. Sana suportahan ninyo ang PNP kag Philippine Army dito sa area,” Abayo said.
On the other hand, Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3ID, said the CSP is a tool for clearing the barangays “that’s why the rebels focus their attacks on CSP soldiers who are not the red fighters of the AFP.”
He added: “Our CSP soldiers are deployed to the barangays to help maintain peace and order and prevent the rebels from infiltrating and recruiting communities.”
The soldiers will conduct the CSP for three months or until the six villages are free from the influence of rebels.
“We are grateful for the trust given by the city government to the CSP teams. They will perform better to ensure the fast delivery of government services to the communities,” Pancito said.
“I am encouraging the village chairmen to support our soldiers and the PNP as they help the Ilonggos achieve a peaceful and progressive city,” he added./PN
