Army eyes dismantling some detachments

COLONEL Oscar Lactao, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Brigade, said the tactical value of the Cafgu detachments in the province is being re-assessed.

Some may have to be dismantled, if the area is evaluated to be free from the influence of the underground movement, he added.

However, Lactao clarified that this would depend on the result of the re-assessment.

He said this is also due to the recent deployment in the province of a company-size Special Action Force (SAF), an elite unit in the Philippine National Police.

The 61st SAF Company, which arrived in Negros last week, was deployed to the northern part of the province to augment PNP and Army forces, engaged in the Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) in the area.

Lactao explained that more than 40 Cafgu detachments all over the province are being subjected to reassessment, to determine whether the Cafgu detachment in a certain area is still needed or not.

Lactao said that the reassessment may result to the pull-out of a certain Cafgu detachment, if it is validated that it is no longer needed in the area.

The Cafgus are paramilitary troopers who are recruited from within the locality, and are increasing the Philippine Army in the IPSO.

The advantage of the CAFGUs is that they are “indigenous” in the area, and can easily identify members of the New People’s Army, explained Lactao.

The presence of CAFGUs also serve as deterrent to offensive operations of the NPA rebels.