LEON B. POSTIGO, Zamboanga del Norte, Jan 26 (PIA) - The government's campaign to end local communist armed conflict continues.

This time, around 42 government employees from the different division and offices of the local government of Leon B. Postigo have participated in the security forum held recently by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-9.

In collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Zamboanga del Norte Information Center, the participants took part in the discussion about the communist terrorist group's (CTGs) atrocities in identified barangays in Leon Postigo town, being identified as one of the armed conflict-affected areas in the province.

"The problems posed by the CTGs in the IP communities and far-flung barangays are more lethal than the COVID-19 virus," Adrian Radaza, provincial officer of NICA-9 said.

He narrated how the CPP-NPA-NDF, now collectively known as CTGs, "potent and adept deception" of the indigenous peoples have impacted communities over the years.

"The group was able to worm its way into every sector of the society, including government bureaucracy, church, media and even schools," he stressed. Thus, the need for continued security forum and orientation for the various groups.

The forum was divided into several sessions to facilitate the implementation of health protocol and restrictions with the province being placed under Alert Level 3 by the COVID-19 Task Force.

The activity was also participated by former rebel, alias Boni, who shared her experience joining the CTG, how her life was scarred and changed with it.

The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Task Force ELCAC had launched several initiatives since 2019 from the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte to thwart the danger brought about by the CTGs. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)