CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – In an effort to quell the rampant extortion activities being waged by members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), the 9th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army initiated a campaign to raise awareness among the small-scale miners, financiers and contractors in Camarines Norte recently.

Dubbed “Counter r resurgence generation information awareness,” the activity was attended by 65 small-scale mining operators working in the said province. Each attendee shared a common goal- to prevent the resurgence of extortive practices conducted by CTG members.

The activity aims to foster cooperation and cultivate support from the miners who are affected by the said practice.

One of the attendees admitted to being approached and solicited for a share of their income. However, she remains uncertain about their identity, leaving open the possibility that it could be a member of CTG. She asked what appropriate course of action should be undertaken in case she encounters the same situation.

Participants were given a lecture on Anti-Terrorism law which was expounded by a representative from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).  The speaker emphasized the gravity of the offense or the seriousness of the consequences individuals may face once proven guilty of providing support or rendering assistance to CTGs.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was enacted into law by then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 3, 2020.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division Commander MGen Adonis Bajao continue to laud the community for their courage in reporting the presence of CTGs in their areas and other CTG activities to the army. This has led to many successful operations and surrenderees in the past few months.  (With reports from Lourdes Samonte, 9ID-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Cover photo credits:  DPAO DFJazo, 9IB