THE Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division is promoting tourism and economic growth in Maragusan and Pantukan in Compostela Valley, after the 66th Infantry Battalion disbanded communist groups operating in these towns.
Lt. Colonel. Palmer Parungao, Army's 66th Infantry Battalion commander, said they continuously defend their post in safeguarding the province from the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Parungao said the Guerilla Front (GF) 27 of the NPA has been dissolved while GF 25 that operates in the northeastern border has been downgraded and forced to vacate the province.
The NPA Section Committee 15 and PBC 8 operating in southeastern portion of the province had been denied access to Pantukan town while Section Committee 18 and PBC 6 have been blocked from entering the same by the deployment of the battalion.
Parungao said the relative peace existing in the province, particularly in Maragusan and Pantukan, has been providing significant progress in different aspects of development in Compostela Valley.
Maragusan was able to host successfully the Mount Candalaga National Climb 2018 on May 24 to 27 through the effort of their troops together with the local government units, Parungao said.
"Similar event was held way back in 1998, but due to peace and security concern in Maragusan, the annual climb was just replicated after 20 years. This can be a benchmark activity in promoting tourism in Mindanao," Parungao said.
Meanwhile, the Sarayon-Radio Room Livelihood Farmer’s Association, a people’s organization established by the unit, conducted its first harvest of high value crops in Barangay Araibo, Pantukan town last week.
Parungao said the organization was established for the former members of the underground mass organizations like the NPA for them to have income-generating activity, to uplift their economic status and have a good living.
During their first harvest, Parungao said, the rebel surrenderers were able to market about 196 kilos of variety of lettuce at P70 per kilograms, which actually yielded them an initial gross income amounting to P13,700.
Parungao said protecting the peace and order in the province lead to such development in Maragusan and in Pantukan in Comval.