ARMY’S 23rd Infantry Battalion has strengthened its information and education campaign (IEC) in communities to discourage them from joining the New People’s Army (NPA), a military official said Monday.
Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said the recruitment activity of the NPA is a “never ending cycle” because of their diminishing number in the Caraga and northern Mindanao region.
Cordero even said the IEC activity is an advocacy of the division in line with the ongoing Senate Investigation in aide of legislation filed by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa due to alarming reports regarding the cases of missing minors.
“Those minors were allegedly recruited by leftist groups and eventually turn them into regular members and fighters of the communist NPA terrorists,” said Cordero.
Cordero said armed movement promised them salary and other forms of assistance while making propaganda against the government.
“While others were convinced, eventually, they leave the movement after one or two years,” he added.
Cordero said that the 4ID is coordinating with local government units and other government agencies to provide solutions to the “reforms” that the rebels are fighting for.
23IB civil military operations officer 1st Lieutenant Roel Maglalang said through its CSP with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Malinao, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental conducted one-day IEC August 14, 2020.
“This is to intensify our intervention among the youth sector in our area of operations,” said Maglalang.
Maglalang said some 150 youth leaders from Barangay Malinao, Gingoog City joined the IEC.
It was conducted with the LGU of Gingoog, PNP, and the Batang Masigasig POINTY,acvordingbto Maglalang.
“The IEC drive aimed to empower the youth sector and prepare them to become the future leaders of their communities and society as a whole,” said Malalang adding, to develop the youth participants to become responsible citizens and advocates for the peace and development initiatives of the government.
“Dako gayod ang akong pasalamat sa 23IB sa ilang kamaayo ug ilang giabog ang dautang esperito aron muhawa na diring dapita,” a certain Maestrado said.
SK chair Wellyju Acedo also reminded his fellow youths not to believe in the deceitful scheme of the communist rebels.
“Don’t be deceived by the CPP-NPAs who bring conflict and slow down the development in our country as they hinder the projects that can be benefited by the people,” said Acedo.
He said that without the presence of the rebels they will experience progress and peace in their villages.
“Through their recruitment on the youth, many lives were wasted,” ssid Acedo.
He added that many of the youth died during an encounter against the government troops.
“I encourage everyone to be vigilant and do not believe in NPA’s propagandas. Take care of our lives so that in the near future, the youth, will be the one who lead our nation,” Acedo said.
23IB commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, expressed gladness on the active participation of the youth during the activity.
“The young generation of Barangay Malinao has the potential to become leaders in the near future,” Paulo said.
He also encouraged them to help the government end the local communist armed conflict in their barangay so that true peace and development will be achieved.
“Start learning for the betterment of Barangay Malinao and for you to have better lives,” said Paulo as he expressed that security is not only the responsibility of the military but the responsibility of everyone. (Ben Balce)
