BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — At least 44 individuals from the town of Tinoc in Ifugao withdrew their support to the communist terrorists groups (CTG).
In a ceremony in Barangay Impugong in Tinoc, Ifugao on Sept. 24, 2024, the 44 individuals who are all residents of Barangay Tokucan, Tinoc, pledged their oath of support to the government and sealed it with their signatures signifying their sincerity in going back to the mainstream society, and that they will never go back to their old path with the CTGs.
They also burned CTG flags and carried banners denouncing the CTGs and condemning their atrocities.
Dubbed as the “Tinoc 44,” these individuals are former combatants, operatives and supporters of the CTGs operating in their community and in the different areas of the Cordillera region and parts of Northern Luzon, who voluntarily turned their back against the CTGs, and returned to the folds of the law.
According to PCol. Ruel Tagel, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 chief, the withdrawal of support to the CTG by the 44 was achieved through series of negotiations led by the RMFB operatives, with crucial backing from family members and relatives.
He said that the “Panag-aywan Iti Kailyan” program of RMFB15 played a vital role in the campaign against insurgency through continuous engagement with the barangays in the municipality.
In accord with the “whole nation approach” in ending local communist armed conflicts, government agencies were there to welcome back the former CTG supporters to the mainstream society with their programs and services.
Department of Labor and Employment-CAR Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra led the awarding of certificates of entitlement to the 44 individuals. This will allow each of them to avail of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and the livelihood package amounting to P30,000 each.
Lacambra also awarded P2 million under Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD Program to the local government unit of Tinoc.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Abelardo Villacorta also turned over P50,000 cash aid to barangay Tocucan as support to the community, particularly the 44 individuals.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development -CAR turned over family food packs to the beneficiaries, and offered its programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, KALAHI-CIDSS, and the various family welfare services to help reintegrate and strengthen families, which they can avail.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government will facilitate the financial aid to the individuals through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Other officials who witnessed the ceremony and pledged to help the former CTG supporters in their reintegration and transformation are Tinoc Mayor Samson Benito, Executive Assistant Tom Guinomon representing Ifugao Governor Dalipog and Congressman Solomon Chungalao, ret. Gen. Bismarck Soliba representing OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Police Cordillera Regional Director PBGen. David Peredo Jr., and LTC Empizo Angalao of the Philippine Army 502nd IB.
Also witnessing the event are representatives from government line agencies, law enforcement agencies, LGU officials and employees, and the community led by Barangay Captain Pedro Campoy. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)
