The mayors and barangay officials in the province have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to reinforce their crucial roles in winning the fight against the communist insurgency in their areas.

Philippine Army 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, cited the significant roles of local chief executives in the campaign against communist terrorist groups (CTG) to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) during the MOA signing in Dumaguete City.

Escanillas said the contract pushes for local executives to implement ELCAC programs, most of which are led by the provincial government.

“Being at the forefront in their respective areas, and many of the members of these CTGs are their constituents, the mayors should lead the delivery of basic services to priority villages to prevent residents from being recruited by the CTG-New People’s Army [CTG-NPA],” Escanillas said.

Most of the CTG-NPAs are roaming around the areas of Siaton, Sta. Catalina and Valencia towns in the 3rd District, and Guihulngan City and the municipality of La Libertad in the 1st District, the Philippine Army said.

However, it was noted that hundreds of NPA sympathizers are in the hinterlands.

“That’s why we need proactive barangay officials who serve as mediators or to negotiate with members of CTG to surrender and avail of the benefits being offered by the government,” Ecanillas said.

He said that disseminating the right and correct information is one way to counter the propaganda of the CTGs.

The role of the local officials stipulated in the agreement also include filing of cases against violators or persons financing terrorism in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, monitoring immersion activities of urban-based CTG organizers, and coordinating with the security for background investigation prior to the implementation of projects by non-government organizations, among others.

The Philippine Army recently filed charges in court against some NGOs in the province for allegedly providing funding support to NPA-CTG.

The agreement also recommits the advancement of peace and development in Negros Oriental. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)