Army Initiatives for the People Boost Campaign Vs. CPP-NPA — 102Bde Deputy Commander

The Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry “IGSOON” Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Antonio John Divinagracia visited the 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion Headquarters Camp David Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on March 24, 2021.

53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera presented updates to Col. Divinagracia regarding the unit’s Area of Operations Analysis, Current Missions, Challenges, Results of Focused Military Operations, ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) projects including road opening and rehabilitation constructions and other efforts, best practices, and lessons learned.

Lt. Col. Herrera also shared the unit’s current projects including the Project Better Life for Cafgu (Support of Adopt-A-Cafgu Project), Project Good Life for FRs (Friends Rescued), and Publication of Breaking Free From Communist Deception book.

The Breaking Free book highlights eye-opening narratives of actual accounts of young people’s experiences, who were once deceived but were able to break free from the shadows of communist deceptions in the Zamboanga Peninsula.“

I can truly see the new set of lieutenants nowadays is different from my time They are more upgraded with new strategics in battles not only in armed but also in the war of narratives. I also commend 53IB’s project for our FRs to make them responsible and productive citizens. The road construction projects have minimized the NPA recruitment because the people can now feel the progress that prevents them to support the enemy,” Col. Divinagracia said.