THE Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) is set to intensify information drive to communities to address the issue on insurgency, citing the importance of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Major General Ariel B. Bernardo, chief of 10th ID, in a press conference at Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Thursday, issued the statement following attacks perpetrated by communist rebels in communities under its area of responsibility.
Bernardo cited some issues that caused insurgency that are needed to be addressed including land tenure, ancestral domain, mining issues, health services, farmers to market road, among others.
Bernardo said aside from doing facilitation for the delivery of those needed services in conflict affected areas, the government troops will come up with an information drive to enlighten the citizens about the subversive tactics of the communist group.
"We'll come up with an information drive prioritizing not only the youth and students but also the various sectors, including the indigenous people and labor sectors. We'll be reaching out people, inform and educate them," Bernardo said.
"I believe these subversive tactics such as the agitation, propaganda and the use of the front organization and the like should be discussed to the people nang maintindihan nila at maiwasan itong mga pangyayari through the government authorities," he added.
Bernardo also encouraged all the stakeholders including the barangay sectors to support their Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) teams to attain development and harmony in their respective communities.
Bernardo said the division has monitored communist groups operating in 44 barangays in Compostela Valley and nearby areas.
He added that all barangay officers and their communities must coordinate with the forces so that their areas will not turn into a breeding ground for rebels.
"All the barangays of the municipalities should emerge po, hindi lang ang affected-conflict areas. Kailangan lahat tayo magtulongan kasi iisa lang naman ang hangarin natin, at yun ay ang kapayapaan at matiwasay na pamumuhay," he added.
"Let's do these together, institutional building arrangement with the aim of eradicating or reducing poverty, hunger and helping cure the social, economic and political concerns, which fuels anti-sentiment government," Bernardo said.