Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya—The Philippine Army has offered the recruitment of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit or Cafgus to complement the presence of government forces in remote areas.
Lt. Colonel Thomas Dominic Baluga, commanding officer of the Army’s 70 Infantry Battalion based in Nueva Ecija, said Cafgus has been left unsupported but are still serving as guardians of peace and order in areas frequented by the New People’s Army rebels.
“We have Cafgus in Nueva Vizcaya who are being supported with P4,500 monthly subsistence allowance. We are also asking other assistance so that they can continue as frontline armed forces in remote areas especially in remote areas,” he said.
Baluga said over the years, Cafgus have transformed from merely armed force to a multi-disciplinary force that supports the army in its various peacekeeping initiatives in areas being visited by NPA rebels.
He said Cafgus at present are also given proper training, livelihood opportunities and involved in civic-military activities such as rescue operations during disasters and calamities and medical services for the poor, among others.
Baluga said they manage and support Cafgus in their areas of responsibilities through partnerships with concerned local government units and other sectors of the society.
“We continue to provide them with their allowances and food with the help of various sectors of the community. We should do something so that they will continue to provide us additional security on terrorism,” he added.
