MAJOR General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division (ID) commander, has thanked the Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) for their support and contribution in attaining the 1ID's mission despite the risk of possible dangers during combat operations.

Ponio issued the statement as he led the led the celebration Wednesday, August 18, of the 34th Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) Day that was highlighted with the awarding of Best CAA per Infantry Battalion, Mechanized Brigade, and Joint Task Force administratively and operationally controlled by the command.

"Marami ang naitulong ng Cafgu sa ating komunidad. Malaking tulong ang nagagawa ninyo. Kapag may mangyari man sa atin, 'yan ay kaloob ng Panginoon. Ang tanging magagawa natin ay alagaan at suportahan ang mga naiwang mahal sa buhay ng ating mga CAA," Ponio said.

The 1ID awarded the Best CAA and Best CAA Company from 101st, 102nd, 103rd Infantry Brigade, from 2nd Mechanized Brigade, and Task Force Zamboanga. Also, five CAAs from different battalions were awarded Best CAA Trackers.

The 1ID commended the hard work and sacrifice of every Cafgu in maintaining peace and order in the province.

Ponio also reminded the CAAs how serious their endeavors are and urged them to focus on performing their duties, especially during military operations.

The Cafgu units assist the regular units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against insurgents.

They are tasked to prevent the communist terrorist group from gaining access to any organization and private agencies.

The 34th CAA Day was anchored on the theme "Cafgu: Bayani ng Komunidad, Kaakibat sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran."

The theme conveys the CAAs role in securing conflict-affected communities in support of the AFP and being one of the first responders during natural disasters. (SunStar Zamboanga)