P99M spent for projects vs insurgency

THE 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said P99 million, from the P76.9 million last year, has been spent to fund anti-insurgency projects in Davao Region and Soccsksargen this year.

Last year, there were 53 major projects constructed under the anti-insurgency program of Kalayaan Para sa Barangay Program (KBP), mostly farm-to-market roads, school buildings, day care centers, and other facilities for communities, said Captain Emmanuel Garcia, spokesperson of the 10th ID.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

“This year, there are 42 projects, ninety-nine million has been alloted, kaunti lang pero mas mahal kasi these are mostly school buildings and education facilities," Garcia added.

The amount, coming from the Department of National Defense, will increase, he said, after the election ban is over since they will again be allowed to implement projects.

During the forum, 10th ID Deputy Commanding General Romero Fajardo noted that the Army "has transformed itself" by strengthening its campaign against insurgency through community building.

"We realized our campaign against the rebels (New People's Army) our focus should not be going against them, searching for them, and engaging into combat. It should not be the only way we can address the security issue. If we can connect well with the populace then the people can understand what the military is doing and in turn the chances that armed rebellion will proliferate because of the support of the people is lessened," Fajardo said.

"We do this by connecting to organizations, civilian and government entities, and engaging into many civic military operation activities. We are spreading ourselves in the community only to gain more friends," he added.

The 10th ID on Monday gave P278,000 worth of claim checks for the benefit of 21 families representing 21 deceased Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) members.

Garcia said the claim checks amounted to P18,000 pesos each and was received by former Cafgu members' immediate kin.

"This is part of the death assistance package from the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefits and Assistance Incorporated facilities by its Davao City branch head, Lina Baldago," he said.

Garcia said out of the 21 deceased Cafgus, 16 died of natural death; three were murdered by the death squads of NPA; and the remaining two died due to accident.

In a statement, 10th ID Commander Major General Carlos Holganza condoled with the families of the Cafgus and acknowledged the sacrifice and service of the deceased.

"This is only a small amount compared to the service which our Cafgus have rendered for out people, our flag and our country," he said.

Garcia said Cafgus nationwide are serving as village defenders in far flung areas against attacks of the NPA terrorists.

"They also act as anti-bandits and anti-cattle rustlers. Their service has been a major help in curbing petty crimes and remote communities where the presence of police and regular troops is thin," he said.

In Southern Mindanao, unarmed and off-duty Cafgus have been targets of killing of the NPA death squads with the communists' terror tactics to discourage village folks particularly the indigenous people or lumads into joining the Cafgu, Garcia said. (Jade C. Zaldivar with PR)