SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--The Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) here received commendation with the successful neutralization of two active fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who yielded in Sultan Naga Dimaporo Thursday, August 19.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Bruce Colao expressed how glad he is to have witnessed the commitment of the local government to aid the returnees while he also urged the barangay executives to take part in the campaign against insurgency.

“We are very happy nga ang programa sa E-CLIP is given support sa atong provincial government, sa munisipyo [by our provincial government, in the municipality] and I enjoin our barangay officials to also be with us para ma-end nato ang local communist armed conflict. Dili na pwede nga ipalugway pa nato ang CPP-NPA. Dapat na kini siya nga wakasan [to end this local communist armed conflict. We cannot extend the presence of the CPP-NPA anymore. We should already conclude this],” he said.

Provincial Board Member Achmad is also thankful to the government agencies comprising the task force for helping them realize the surrender of the former rebels.

Vice Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo delivered his appreciation to the forces behind the successful operation, including the Philippine Army through the 51st Mechanized Company and the 5th Mechanized Infantry “Kaagapay” Battalion under the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the DILG, and the barangay captains in the municipality for living out with their pledge that unity will be carried on in the locality. 

He also acknowledged the significant contribution of the task force which supported them to push their aim of maintaining peace and order in the area. 

“Pipila mi ka years nagserbisyo dinhi sa Sultan Naga Dimaporo and ginatry gyud namo nga ang peace and order dinhi sa Sultan Naga Dimaporo would be a success… Dili ni mahitabo kung wala ang among mga partner,” said Dimaporo.

[We have served here in Sultan Naga Dimaporo for many years and we have always tried so that the peace and order here in Sultan Naga Dimaporo would be a success… This would not happen if it were not for our partners.]

Meanwhile, Col. Rey Alemania, commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, said more active fighters are expected to return to the fold of law through the concerted efforts of government agencies and the local government behind the MTF-ELCAC. (CRG/PIA-ICIC)