Residents of Hda Raymunda gather in a Peace Dialogue with Army, PNP
The Army's 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion conducted a Peace Dialogue or Pulong-Pulong and Outreach Activity to the residents affected by the recent encounter at Hacienda Raymunda, Brgy Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental on Monday, August 23, 2021.
It can be recalled that on August 20, 2021, an encounter transpired between the troops of 79IB and remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in Northern Negros in the vicinity of Hacienda Raymunda of the said barangay which resulted in the death of two (2) Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) and one (1) Masaligan trooper.
Thus, to increase the awareness of the residents on CTG modus operandi to agitate, organize and mobilize potential recruits, 79IB together with 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st NOCPMFC); Local Government Unit of Silay; Local leaders of Kapitan Ramon headed by Hon. Ronie Aguirre; RYU Foundation, Inc.; and other media personalities conducted Pulong-Pulong and Outreach Activity. The activity is also aimed to hear and gather their issues and concerns for appropriate action of concerned local and national agencies.
An information awareness drive was also conducted wherein topics on History of Insurgency and CNTs deceptive recruitment scheme were greatly emphasized.
Local leaders together with different media personalities were also invited to speak with the residents relative to the incident in order to enlighten them with regards to the recent encounter and the current security situation in their community.
Said discussions was supported by a testimony of Joross, a former rebel who shared his awful experience when he was still in the armed group and how the government helped him after he surrendered.
Also part of the activity was a film showing of the documentaries entitled "Sa loob ng NPA" and "Youth Inflitration" revealing how the CNTs used and maltreated its members who opted to surrender upon realizing the futility of their armed struggle. These documentaries served as an eye opener to the villagers on what awaits them if they will join the armed group.
Moreover, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government was discussed along with the distribution of leaflets specifying the benefits of those who will return to the folds of law.
According to Hon. Ronie Aguirre, Brgy Captain of Kapitan Ramon, despite the fear that his constituents have been experiencing, they are very thankful for the Philippine Army for spoiling the extortion and ruthlessness of the said terrorist groups in their community.
Further, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay T Javines, Commanding Officer of 79IB is calling to the residents to remain vigilant and report any presence of armed group to the authorities to stop them from staging more terror in the community. He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Mayor Mark Golez of Silay City, Hon. Ronnie Aguirre, Brgy. Captain of Kapitan Ramon, the Lacson Family (owner of Hca Raymunda) and all the stakeholders and partners of 79IB who joined and supported the said activity.
"This incident is wake up call to all Negrenses to shun whatever support you have to the CNTs. Do not be deceived by their twisted ideology. Let us join hands and continue our efforts to unmask the true character of the CNTs, prevent their recovery efforts and finally put an end to local armed conflict. Together, let us build peaceful and progressive communities that are INHOSPITABLE to the presence of any threat group”, said Lt.Col. Javines.