ZAMBOANGA CITY – The government has deployed Community Support Program (CSP) teams to bring peace and development in far-flung and conflict-affected areas in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.
The members of the CSP teams are comprised of personnel from the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office and Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion.
Capt. Clint Antipala, Army’s 1st Infantry Division acting information officer, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that, initially, four CSP teams were activated and deployed in the municipalities of Kabasalan, Siay, and Diplahan in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The deployment of the CSP teams is in line with the Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct Development Support Operations, to sustain the peace, ensure security and help maintain public order to foster the foundation for economic and human development.
“We encourage various local government units (LGUs) of Zamboanga Sibugay to maintain and preserve their communities from being exploited by the communist terrorist group (CTG), and civilian stakeholders to support the government programs especially in the far-flung communities,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander.
Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Wilter Yap Palma has assured the support of the provincial government to the CSP teams deployed on Monday in the province.
“We will work hand in hand to end this local communist armed conflict,” said Palma, who led the send-off ceremony of the CSP teams.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, thanked the provincial government, non-government organizations and other stakeholders of Zamboanga Sibugay for their trust and support to the CSP teams.
Gaerlan said the deployment of CSP teams is one way of bringing the government closer to the people particularly in areas where public services seldom reach or even cannot be felt by the people.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has ordered the troops to strictly adhere to the provisions of International Humanitarian Law, respect human rights and follow the rule of law as they bring peace and development in far-flung communities.
“Community-based initiatives are underway to address security issues on the grassroots level, involving the local government and the various sectors so feasible and long-term solutions to insurgency and terrorism are made,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.
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