The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion has intensified its awareness campaign to prevent the recovery and recruitment efforts of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) in conflict affected barangays in Calatrava and Toboso towns in Negros Occidental.

An information awareness drive was held at Barangay Bandila, Toboso on Saturday, January 29, with the active participation of the local government unit (LGU) of Toboso and barangay council of Bandila headed by barangay chairman Eulogio Julom.

Earlier, on January 25 and 26, similar activities were also held in barangays Malatas and Hilub-ang in Calatrava in coordination with the Calatrava LGU and the barangay officials.

Said activities were highlighted with a film-showing entitled “Suplong-The Fall of Ka Oris,” a documentary by veteran TV journalist Ceasar Soriano on the last days of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos —the most wanted NPA in the country, and testimonies from former rebels.

After the activity, an open forum was also conducted where residents were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns especially on peace, development and security issues.

According to Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79IB, the activity was organized to address the issues and concerns of the residents and to share credible and relevant information that will increase their awareness on various strategies of the NPA in luring unwary residents into the terrorist organization.

“The realization of the activity’s intended objectives and the local residents participation signifies the return of the people’s trust and confidence to the government. Towards this end, development will surely come in as we continually work together towards the attainment of a peaceful and progressive communities that are free from NPA intimidation and exploitation,” Javines said./WDJ