ARTECHE, Eastern Samar -- The TG U2D (UTOD meaning to cut) of the Provincial Task Force  Eastern Samar and the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF ELCAC) of Arteche jointly held a dialogue with the members of Liga ng mga Punong Barangay on February 3 in Brgy. Rawis, this town.

The topics discussed include the CTG extortion scheme in KKER barangays through their Layag chapters targeting the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA); factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the barangays to extortion; adverse effects and consequences when giving in to CTG extortion; ways to prevent and counter the CTG's extortion; and other sources of funds of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

In addition, three former rebels shared their experiences on how they demand and collect Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) shares from the KKER barangays before.

The activity in Arteche is the fourth time following the engagements made by TG U2D in Can-avid (Dec. 14, 2021), Maslog (Jan. 17, 2022), and Dolores (Jan. 19, 2022) with the Liga ng mga Punong Barangays.

TG U2D is an ad hoc group composed of TF ELCAC cluster lead agencies namely, PIA (STRATCOM), NICA 8 (SAKM), Regional Prosecutor (LCC), 801st Brigade (PLEDS), DILG (LGE), and the ESPPO. The main objective of the group is to cut off and prevent the CTG extortion in the cleared barangays.

Mayor Roland Boie Evardone was present during the dialogue, together with members of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads and CSO representatives. (801st Brigade)