KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Philippine Army appealed to the public for their continued support of government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

Cpt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, commanding officer of the 11th Special Forces Company sounded the call during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday.

“We have to keep the fire of volunteerism alive especially our residents. We have to let them understand that peace and order and development is not the sole responsibility of the government and they have to take part,” Cpt. Punsalan said.

The army official also highlighted the role of local government units in the success of the campaign against insurgency.

“We religiously follow the guidelines under Executive Order 70 and maintain an active partnership with LGUs because in the end, sa LGU magre-reflect if magiging successful ang campaign natin or hindi,” he said.

Punsalan also continues the call for public vigilance against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels by urging citizens of South Cotabato to report immediately sightings of any armed group or individuals.

“Information is also not the sole responsibility of the military or the uniformed personnel. So kung may mga reports po na nakukuha, nabibigay po sa atin agad, nakaka-take action tayo agad sa area kung saan may threat groups,” the army official said. (ORVR/PIA XII)