MLGU Pres Roxas, Army conduct Peace Building Seminar to former UGMO members

MAGPET, Cotabato – The Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Pres Roxas in partnership with the 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion has conducted a 4-Day Peace Building Seminar to more or less 200 residents who were former members, supporters, and sympathizers of Underground Mass Organization (UGMOs) organized by the Communist Terrorist Groups coming from the Barangays of Datu Inda, Greenhills, Idaoman, Ilustre and Sarayan all of Pres Roxas, Cotabato.

The activity was held at Ilustre Elementary School with the permission and support of the Department of Education (DepEd) that commenced last Friday, from September 18-21, 2020.

The said live-in seminar with a theme, “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Mapayapa at Masaganang Pamumuhay” was facilitated by various Local Government Agencies, MLGU-Pres Roxas, IP Sectors, SK-Pres Roxas, Youth for Peace Movement, PNP, 10th CMO Battalion, and the troops of Charlie “Cowboy” Company headed by 1LT Kelvin A Verzosa (INF) PA under 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion.

During the said seminar, the participants were given social, economic, health, and political awareness on the different plans and programs of the government intended for them.

It was piloted thru a series of lectures, discussions, group activities, workshops, and consultations; and a sort of deradicalization for them to be re-oriented from communist ideologies and principles.

The activity resulted in the withdrawal of support of mostly IP residents to the Communists Terrorist Groups of GF53 covering the boundaries of Cotabato and Bukidnon.

Furthermore, the activity was the result of the Community Support Program (CSP) Immersion of 72IB which will be sustained by the organized People’s Organization who were former UGMO members, supporters/sympathizers of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) that will be part and component of the Barangay-based Institution and the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) of the barangay.

With the commitment and continuous support of MLGU-Pres Roxas, they all provided the necessary materials and financial support needed particularly for the meals, snacks, and transportation during the whole duration of the seminar.

The Peace Building Seminar ended with a Peace Rally and burning of the CTGs flag that took place along the highway going to the Municipal Hall and subsequently followed by a closing program.

The event was graced by Hon. Rudy S Caoagdan, 2nd District Representative; Hon. Jonathan O Mahimpit, Municipal Mayor; Col. Potenciano C Camba, Commander, 1002nd Infantry "Bagwis" Brigade; heads of different gov’t agencies; SB members of Pres Roxas; MLGU- Staff; Barangay Captains, Tanods and IP Leaders from different barangays.

"Never lose hope. Your government and the army will always work together to deliver the programs, projects, and services intended for all of you. Let's continue the good deeds we started in our four-day activity. Rest assured your elected local officials will continue doing everything to deliver the basic services in your communities," Congressman Caoagdan said in his message.

In response, LTC Rey T Alvarado, Commanding Officer 72IB also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the unending commitment and continuous support of LGU-Roxas.

He assured that 72IB will continue doing its mandate and sworn duty to the people of North Cotabato.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 72nd Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Agila, PA