La Union execs okay CAFGU revival

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of La Union unanimously approved during their session on Thursday a resolution for the immediate reactivation of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) to counter insurgency in upland municipalities.

Vice Gov. Aureo Nisce said here that the creation of CAFGU is an "urgent measure" to address the encroachment of Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan of the New Peoples Army (RHB-NPA) in the towns of San Gabriel, Bagulin and Santol.

Nisce said officials of the three towns requested the provincial government, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to forge an agreement for the creation and deployment of CAFGUs in their area to secure them from any terrorist activities of the NPA.

He said the SP, through their resolution, authorized Gov. Victor Ortega to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the PNP and Philippine Army for the reactivation of CAFGU in the three towns.

"The deployment of CAFGUs in these towns is very necessary in deterring the presence of the RHB-NPA and other terrorists’ elements that undermine the peace and order of the province," Nisce said.

Quoting reports from the police, Nisce said sightings of the armed bands of RHB-NPA were reported in the three towns indoctrinating communist teachings and recruiting minors. He added that the CAFGUs will be recruited from the residents of the three towns which will be composed of three platoons who will undergo six weeks of rigorous military trainings that would be implemented by the PNP and Army.

After their training, they will be provided with military uniforms, high-powered firearms like M14, M16 and Garand rifles and honorarium of P1,800 monthly. — Jun Elias