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 702nd 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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