Police presence in barangays encouraged rebels to lay down arms in Caraga
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in Caraga emphasized that the enforcement of the Revitalized Police sa Barangay (R-PSB) Program contributed to the successful surrender of the communist terrorist group (CTG) members particularly in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) of the region.
During
the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas hosted by the Philippine Information
Agency (PIA) Caraga, Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, regional
director of PNP Caraga, revealed that from January to February of this year,
the Police Regional Office 13 successfully arrested 10 CTG members while 34
others surrendered the campaign against insurgency intensified in the region.
“Of the
44 CTG members, 12 were listed in the Periodic Status Report (PSR). Also
recovered included the 18 firearms, eight explosives, and 53 rounds of
ammunition,” he said.
“This
community-focused initiative enhances police presence and engagement at the
grassroots level, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged
areas. The R-PSB has been instrumental in improving public trust in the police
force, reducing crime rates, and promoting sustainable peace and development,
especially in conflict-affected barangays,” explained Abrahano.
The
official also disclosed that per data from the Regional Operations Division of
PNP, there are 1,057 trained R-PSB cadres in the Caraga region.
“Our
cadres are deployed at the former CTG-influenced barangays; barangays with
ongoing Barangay Development Program (BDP) projects such as farm-to-market
roads and public schools; and at the identified GIDA,” he said.
The
mission of the RPSB team encompasses several key objectives, including
sustaining progress achieved by government initiatives delivered to the
barangays, preventing any potential resurgence of criminal and terrorist
groups, and safeguarding the unaffected neighboring communities.
“We
continue to work with the local government units, other law enforcement
agencies and other partners as we intensify our campaign against the communist
terrorist groups. And we also continue to call on the remaining CTG members to
surrender and the PNP will help them in their return to mainstream society with
their families,” remarked Abrahano.
“We
continue to level up our efforts in implementing the Revitalized Pulis sa
Barangay Program through conduct of trainings and sending off more R-PSB
cadres. Our cadre personnel serve as our partners in the delivery of basic
social services to the people of Caraga, particularly in the far-flung affected
barangays,” he said.
Through these efforts, the PNP also aims to build trust, promote peace, and uplift communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the government’s pursuit of lasting peace and development. (JPG, PIA Caraga)
