TARLAC CITY — Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) stressed the weakening presence of communist terrorist group (CTG) in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera.
NOLCOM Commander Lieutenant General Ernesto Torres Jr. disclosed that for the first quarter of 2022, about 28 rebels has surrendered to security forces so far.
These surrenders resulted in the recovery of 22 high-powered firearms, 6 low-powered firearms and 33 improvised explosive devices.
“So, what is the implication of the 28 firearms? It would lessen the capability of the communist terrorist groups in doing harm or terrorizing the public. The end of the local communist armed conflict is already at hand, [and] we are now seeing the light of the tunnel,” Torres said in an episode of Philippine Information Agency Region 3’s Leaders In Focus Election Special.
Relative to this, he urged remnants of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Tarlac-Zambales to return to the fold of the government.
“You have a government that really cares for you. We have a program to rehabilitate, re-integrate and provide new opportunities for those who will decide to walk away from armed struggle,” Torres said.
Former rebels will receive immediate fund assistance, livelihood aid, skills training and other grants provided by various government agencies in support of their reintegration to mainstream society.
Emphasizing the importance of collective efforts, he encouraged the convergence of the military, police and civilian sector towards lasting peace and sustainable development.
“So, if this will continue for several months, we are hopeful that we can end the insurgency in this part of our country,” Torres noted.
“We, at NOLCOM, all the air men, sailors, marines, officers, enlisted personnel and the civilian employees will always do our best to serve the people and protect our country from any lawless elements all for the purpose of attaining our national ambition and vision: to have a peaceful, stable and progressive country for the Filipinos,” he added.
SOURCE: Trixie Joy B. Manalili (PIA3)
