53rd IB, NGAs, LGUs Converge to End Local Communists Armed Conflict in Siayan

Committed to end local communist armed conflict in the Municipality of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte province, a convergence meeting was held and was attended by Siayan LGU, National Government Agencies (NGAs), and 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion held at the Municipal Hall on August 24, 2020.

The convergence program is part of this unit’s Community Support Program (CSP) efforts. CSP teams will be deployed in the far-flung barangays of Pange and Macasing, both of Siayan, ZDN.

In his welcome remarks, Siayan mayor Hon. Josecor S. Gepolongca expressed his gratitude for giving their time and exerting their effort for the said convergence meeting.

“I hope that this activity will have more output that will be effective and efficient to our constituents in order to put an end to these communists [NPA terrorists],” said Hon. Gepolongca.

During the activity, 53rd IB Operations Officer 1Lt. Oliver B. Carmen presented the CSP concept emphasizing on the roles of the stakeholders to contribute its success.

Meanwhile, 53rd IB Commander Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera apprised the participants about the current threat situation in the unit’s area of operations and explained the expected end result of Executive Order 70.

“Even if we propose so many ELCAC Projects, no matter what kind of infrastructure we make, or any convergence we conduct, if the enemy is still exists, the purpose of ELCAC will still fail because at the end of the day, what ELCAC intends to achieve is to destroy and end the local communist armed conflict itself,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.

Different National Government Agencies also presented their different plans and projects for the two (2) barangays for the upcoming Grand Pulong Pulong and Serbisyo Caravan.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) they will introduce the Rice & Corn Farming to include the High Value Crops; the Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR) discussed the Land Reform Act and will offer free consultation on the Land Titling; the Department of Social Welfare and Development explained on how to avail and register as Senior Citizens.

The Grand Pulong Pulong and Serbisyo Caravan for barangays Macasing and Pange will be on 22-23 September and 24-25 September, respectively.