Military recruiting Ifugaos to join CAFGU

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Ifugaos are being recruited to join the Citizen Armed Geographical Unit (CAFGU), the Philippine Army’s auxiliary force in fighting insurgents.

The AFP announced its recruitment campaign in Ifugao in its bid to support its regular forces “in the protection of life and property and to help in the delivery of services to the community particularly in times of calamities.”

The recruitment is open to male or  female natural born Filipino, preferably 18-40 years old but not more than 45 years of age, at least high school level with no pending case and physically fit to perform duty.

Recruited CAFGUs have the chance to be part of the community peace and development and part-time soldier.

Benfits include educational and medical programs and assistance.

Qualified recruits, the Philippine Army said, can avail  themselves of separation gratuity pay for optional resignation of at least five years of CAFGU active auxiliary (CAA).

Those who want to be recruited are required to present  National Statistics Office  birth certificate and clearances from  barangay, police and mayor’s office.

The whole Northern and Central Luzon provinces have been declared insurgency-free.

However, in 2013,  three policemen were killed and two others were wounded when NPA rebels attacked them in Ifugao. Three policemen on training were also killed in Tadian town, Mt. Province  after rebels opened fire at jogging policemen undertaking counter-insurgency training.