THE 97th Infantry Battalion (97IB) has tapped the community security frontliners and tourism stakeholders to help counter the deceptive recruitment tactics of the New People's Army (NPA) in the countryside.
First Lieutenant Elham Sirajan, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 97IB, led the distribution of informational leaflets on the deceptive tactics of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) during the training and seminar designed to strengthen local tourism and community security.
The "Barangay Tanod Para sa Turismo Training and Tourism Awareness and Capability Building Seminar" was held from May 28 to 30 in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
The event gathered participants from local government units, barangay tanods, tourism officers, and resort owners from the municipalities of Siocon, Sirawai, Sibuco, and Baliguian.
The 97IB said the distributed materials highlighted how these communist terrorist groups exploit vulnerable sectors and offered practical guidance on identifying red flags and reporting suspicious activities.
Security officials said the youth and students are vulnerable for the recruitment for CPP and NDF that will be used as propagandist and agitator. Later, they will be utilized a cadres or recruiters.
Security officials said one of the stages in the recruitment among the youth is through community exposure. Oftentimes, the NPA refer this as to immersion.
The student recruits will be trained as cadres and propagandist, being political officers.
Sirajan stressed the need for constant vigilance although the province of Zamboanga del Norte remains insurgency-free.
The "Barangay Tanod sa Turismo" training program consisted of 32 hours of intensive sessions, covering critical knowledge and skills for frontline community responders in tourism areas.
The 97IB said the initiative marks the initial rollout of a collective mission to empower local champions in creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all visitors, under the Community-Based Tourists and Investors Protection and Security Program (CBTIPSP).
Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Sanz, 97IB commander, emphasized the critical role of barangay tanods in maintaining peace and order, especially under the CBTIPSP.
Sanz underscored the importance of continued cooperation between the military and civilian sectors in fostering a secure atmosphere for both tourists and investors.
As part of the seminar, he also delivered a lecture on West Philippine Sea (WPS) awareness, aiming to raise public understanding of national maritime concerns. (SunStar Zamboanga)