Army vows to aid S. Kudarat town in fight vs. NPA, illegal drugs

By Edwin Fernandez

June 13, 2o19

ARMY SUPPORT. Capt. Alessandro Cruzada, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion - Charlie Company, speaks during the peace and order council meeting at Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday, June 11. The 33rd IB vowed to support the local government unit’s fight against illegal drugs and communism. (Photo by 33rd IB)

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat: The military vowed to actively support the local government unit (LGU) of Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA), Sultan Kudarat, in its fight against illegal drugs and communist rebels.

Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), gave this assurance Thursday during the joint SNA Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti-Drug Advisory Council (MADAC) and Barangay Anti-Drug Advisory Council (BADAC) meeting at the town hall.

Capt. Alessandro Cruzada, 33IB Alpha Company commander, led military representatives in the joint meeting on behalf of Boongaling and provided the council members updates on the Army’s role in the campaign against illegal drug personalities.

Mayor Randy Ecija, who presided over the meeting, discussed updates on security matters by village officials, security entities, update on drug surrenderers, the rehabilitation program and policies for maintaining a drug-free municipality.

Cruzada, for his part, presented the "Iba Ang May Alam – Insurgency in a nutshell" program to the LGU that defines insurgency, its causes, the thinking-insurgents, and ways on how to counter and prevent the resurgence of the New People's Army.

Cruzada emphasized the Army's "whole nation" approach in delivering government services to the people -- especially those in remote areas.

The Army official also presented a “Makabayan Warriors” plaque of recognition to Ecija as a symbol of appreciation for his support to the military's anti-insurgency efforts. (Philippine News Agency)