KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- Anti-insurgency initiatives of the government are given a boost with the continued vigilance and cooperation of residents in Tboli town.

Cpt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, commanding officer of the army’s 11th Special Forces Company said the recent surrender of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and the recovery of firearms and ammunition is because of the help of residents, particularly of the Tboli tribe in far-flung villages.

“The cooperation of residents is a clear manifestation of the trust and confidence they have on the government in ending crimes and other violence perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA),” Punsalan said.

Army troops recovered an M16A1 rifle and a caliber .38 revolver belonging to alias “Bambam” on July 24 based on a tip from concerned residents.

“Bambam” is a member of the NPA’s Guerilla Front Musa (GF 73) Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).

Residents said that they were once used as couriers to facilitate supplies and keep safe firearms of the NPA rebels.

Punsalan continues the call for public vigilance by urging residents to report immediately sightings of any armed group or individuals.

The army official also highlighted the role of the LGU in putting a stop to the recruitment and exploitation of the rebel group, especially the indigenous communities.

In an earlier statement, Mayor Keo Dayle Tuan said, LGU Tboli will strengthen its anti-insurgency initiatives that helped maintain peace and order in the municipality.

These include the provision of incentives, immediate cash assistance and remuneration for former rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In 2021, the Sangguniang Bayan and the Municipal Peace and Order Council passed resolutions declaring the communist terrorist group as persona non grata in the municipality of Tboli. (PIA XII)