Gov’t continues to gain trust from locals in conflict areas, says PH army
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY — LtCol. Cresencio C Gargar, commanding officer of the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion (29IB), highlighted the significant contribution of community participation in the successful fight against insurgency with the recent encounter against communist terrorist groups (CTGs) at Sitio Dalicanan, Brgy. Balang-balang in RTR, Agusan del Norte.
According to the Civil Military Operations Officer, 1Lt. Jade Bryce G. Buñe of the 29IB, the battalion initiated an operation in the hinterland of Sitio Dalicanan following the reports from the residents and concerned citizens of the place on the presence of armed groups in the area.
The operation resulted in a 15-minute firefight against the members of Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Northland (NL), leading to the recovery of high-powered firearms, including one AK47 rifle, two M4 rifles, and one M16 rifle. Additionally, the troops seized magazines, medical supplies, and numerous documents with high intel value left by the fleeing CTGs.
“The impact of government services and assistance are now palpable in remote areas like the sitio of Dalicanan in Barangay Balang-balang, RTR, Agusan del Norte, formerly infiltrated by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA),” according to LtCol. Gargar.
He believed that the visible and sustainable efforts of the government through the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Agusan del Norte, such as livelihood training and services, community development, and infrastructure, among others, contributed significantly to winning the trust and buy-in of the residents of these insurgency areas. This prompted the locals to proactively reach out and provide significant information to the government as to the whereabouts of the remaining CTGS as the most effective way to bring peace and development to their communities.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante of Agusan del Norte, also the chairperson of the PTF-ELCAC, congratulated the Philippine Army for securing the Agusanons.
“Cooperation, unity, and love for our country and fellowmen must always be in our top interests to achieve peace and prosperity,” the governor said.
Governor Amante unceasingly urged the public to report any information regarding the activities of terrorist groups to the proper authorities. She also called on the remaining CTG members to surrender and avail the government’s assistance to live peacefully and productively with their families and loved ones, especially this holiday season.
Also, Governor Amante took part in the implementation of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects for the calendar year 2024, focusing on advancing peace, harmony, economic growth, and agricultural productivity in the province.
The infrastructure projects include the following: upgrading/improvement of Afga-Sitio Linao-Linao farm-to-market road (FMR) with bridge, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; upgrading/improvement/ construction of Balang-Balang – San Antonio – Kaunlaran FMR in RTR, Agusan del Norte; upgrading/improvement/construction of Kaunlaran – Masundong – Sumubay FMR in RTR, Agusan del Norte and Cabadbaran City; and upgrading/improvement/ construction of Mahaba – Belwang FMR in Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
