BALER, Aurora - The Philippine Army's 91st Infantry "Sinagtala" Battalion (91IB), in partnership with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), has intensified its awareness campaign to prevent the infiltration of communist terrorist groups in the communities.

In an interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the 91IB, said an information drive was held at Laang-Sibol Hall, Camp Jaime Bitong in Barangay Calabuanan on Wednesday, attended by barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.

He said the event aimed to increase their awareness of the importance of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the fight against insurgency and the impact of rebel infiltration in communities.

Rubio said he thanked the participants who committed to achieving inclusive development and lasting peace in Baler and the whole province.

"The participants' presence will greatly contribute to ensuring peace and order in the communities," he said.

Rubio said regular meetings will continue, together with the other security forces.

He added that the 91IB will continue to support NICA and the local officials as part of the law enforcement support operations of the Philippine Army and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

NICA Regional Director Maria Luisa de Guzman likewise cited the participants for their willingness and readiness to address the root causes of internal conflict.

She called for the cooperation of everyone to respond to concerns and issues in local communities which the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is using to recruit members.

She said terrorists exploit issues to destroy the image of the government as part of their manipulative ploys to deceive the people.

"We have one country, one flag, and one government, thus, we should help each other to end armed conflict and to achieve a lasting peace. Tulungan po ninyo kami sa iisang adhikain na ito (Please help us in achieving this one objective)," de Guzman said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)