BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 7 – The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADN-PPO) on Wednesday hosted the 1st Security Coordinating Conference held at the 23IB headquarters, Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Brgy. Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
The event transpired as part of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Security Operations (CIPSO) to intensify efforts in ending the extortion scheme of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), to instill the concept of Shared Security Environment (SSE) with all the stakeholders involved, and to align the assessment and plans in achieving peace and resilient development programs for the areas of Agusan del Norte.
The said activity was attended by Col. Cerilo C. Balaoro, Jr., Deputy Brigade Commander, 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army; Ltc. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Commanding Officer of 23IB, and his staff; PCol. Martin M. Gamba, Provincial Director, ADN-PPO; Chiefs of Police from different municipalities and contractors of ongoing government flagship projects within the Area of Operation of 23IB.
Ltc. Paulo cited the importance of Shared Security and the involvement of all sectors, particularly the local government units (LGUs) in addressing the extortion activities of the New People’s Army (NPA). “This is part of our efforts in addressing the atrocities and to strengthen security measures of infrastructures, development projects, legitimate business that serve the interests in providing gainful employment, and tourism areas in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs), Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies and prevent the latter from conducting harassment, and intimidation against private companies in the area," he said.
"The NPA extortion work is not just the responsibility of the government security forces but it is everybody’s concern," Ltc. Paulo added.
The NPAs also target the equipment of construction companies because they are soft and undefended and destroying them will delay the construction of farm-to-market-road and prevent the government from bringing the basic services to rural areas.
“Have faith in your government, have faith in your security. This is a big leap forward to prosecute the assailants and let’s not give the NPA rebels the breather and the opportunity to penetrate the burning spree of heavy equipment and to stop their terrorism plans and to pressure the companies to give in to their extortion demands,” Col. Balaoro said. (Cpt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB 4ID PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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