MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA) - The Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) of President Rodrigo Duterte, known as the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) paved the way in reducing the armed guerilla fronts in Northern Mindanao said an official of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army.
In Talakayan sa PIA ELCAC series, media forum, 4ID Commander Major General Wilbur C. Mamawag said, “At the start of the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, diri sa Northern Mindanao aduna tay 12 ka armed groups or armed guerilla fronts. At this moment, 2022, three na lang ka guerilla fronts ang nahibilin na padayon nato nga ginaneutralize or assist."
(At the start of the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, here in Northern Mindanao we have 12 armed groups or armed guerilla fronts. At this moment, 2022, there are only three guerilla fronts left that we continue to neutralize or assist.)
Mamawag attributed the decrease of armed guerilla groups to the resources and projects poured by various government agencies such as in health, education, and road networks to conflict-affected and geographically isolated and deprived areas.
Meanwhile, through the ‘Balik Loob Program,' a total of 3,000 former rebels surrendered and returned to the folds of government to receive financial assistance, livelihood, and various programs.
With the expected change of administration, Mamawag assured the public that the ELCAC will continue especially with projects in the pipeline towards far-flung barangays.
As the government pushes for peace and eradicate the Communist Terrorist Groups - New Peoples Army (CTG-NPA), 4ID commander expressed that they want to resolve the conflict via peaceful means thus urging the remaining CTGs to surrender, return to their respective families, and avail the programs offered by the government. (JAKA/PIA10)