The 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army (PA) is keen on guarding internally displaced individuals (IDPs) taking shelter at the evacuation centers from potential recruitment by communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

One of the Army’s initiatives to protect the IDPs from the influence of CTGs is an anti-insurgency information, education and communication (IEC) campaign at the camps, focusing on the dangers of CTG recruitment.

Taking advantage of their situation, rebel entities target vulnerable individuals, especially those who are displaced and in a crisis situation, offering false promises of support and security.

Earlier this year, the 62IB visited and reached out to some 2,534 evacuees at the Don Felix Robles Elementary School, La Castellana Elementary School and St. Vincent’s High School, Inc. in La Castellana town.

The IEC campaign also included important points of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which is a government initiative intended to persuade CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and instead return to the folds of the law.

In a statement, civil-military operations officer Captain Angelo Michael Cata-an stressed the commitment of the Army in ensuring the safety of Filipinos against the ill intentions of the CTGs.

“We are committed to safeguarding our communities not only from the threat of insurgency but also from exploitation during times of crisis,” said Cata-an.

He then urged the public to be alert and vigilant, and resist the deceptive tactics of rebel groups to sway people to their side.

The 62IB remains dedicated to taking proactive measures to protect not only the evacuees but entire communities against the insurgency, providing critical support and guidance in resisting the CTG’s influence. (PIA Negros Occidental)