PH Army urges LGUs’ support to end CPP-NPA ‘virus’

By Leilanie G. Adriano (Staff Reporter)

LAOAG CITY-- Philippine Army has called on the support of local government units (LGUs) here to help them in eradicating a “long-time virus that is deadlier than the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”.

BGen. Audrey L. Pasia, Brigade Commander of the 702^nd Infantry Brigade 7th Infantry Division has asked the local chief executives present during the joint Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting on December 21, 2020 to get rid of the so called ‘white areas’ in Ilocos Norte where communist terrorists are likely to infect various sectors such as farmers and students among others.

In his presentation during the meeting, Mr. Pasia identified several personalities in the province who are allegedly supporters of the CPP-NPA.

“We are not red-tagging anybody here but there are some local threats in Ilocos Norte and some of them have surrendered already with the help of our LGUs,” said Mr. Pasia citing LGUs can reach out to them and turn to the government for support.

With the continuing government efforts to reach out to the local communities, the Philippine Army in collaboration with local government units has welcomed the surrender of underground members of the communist terrorist groups (CTG), who voluntary surrendered to local authorities.

The Philippine Army said “it is never too late” for the surrenderers to change and the earlier, the better so that they will have plenty of time to live in peace with their families.

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has also assured support to those who surrender with a provision for housing and livelihood assistance.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Since 2012, Ilocos Norte has sustained its status as "insurgency-free” but local threats still persist in the area.

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