TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Carina Capuyan, Punong Barangay of Dagupan West, addressed concerns raised by members of the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) regarding the use of the barangay hall for public activities. In a recent symposium organized by the 3rd Company, 5CMOBn, CMOR, Philippine Army, under the 503rd Brigade Kalinga, Capuyan emphasized that while the barangay hall is open for events like seminars and symposiums, these gatherings must serve the community’s general welfare and not facilitate recruitment into progressive groups associated with the CPP-NPA.
The CPA-Kalinga Chapter had previously expressed apprehension about the symposium, approaching Capuyan at her residence to question the nature of the invitation. The group highlighted the absence of a clear agenda and feared potential harassment and red-tagging of their organization. They requested that the event not proceed without a transparent purpose.
Capuyan reassured the CPA members that the event had been coordinated with the brigade as part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) initiative. She explained that the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, a local arm of NTF-ELCAC, aims to align with national efforts to combat local communist insurgency. She insisted that the symposium was not targeting progressive groups like the CPA but instead offered an opportunity for them to present their programs and projects, benefiting the residents of Barangay Dagupan West.
During the symposium, MSgt. Gilbert Tadiwan, the team leader of the 3rd Company, 5CMOBn, emphasized that the event’s primary purpose was educational. He stated that the information campaign aimed to enlighten participants about the mission and vision of NTF-ELCAC, focusing on the illegal activities of the New People’s Army (NPA), considered an enemy of the state. Tadiwan clarified that the intention was not to harass CPA members but to foster open dialogue and understanding. He challenged the CPA members to engage in such activities to clarify their stance and contribute to constructive discussions.
One of the symposium’s main topics was the collaboration between the 503rd Brigade and Barangay Dagupan West to protect students from recruitment by the CPP-NPA/NDF. The barangay, which includes significant educational institutions like Tabuk City National High School, was identified as a vulnerable target for recruitment. Tadiwan noted that there have been reports of local schools being infiltrated by groups associated with the CPP-NPA/NDF, facilitated by their leftist fronts.
The event underscored the ongoing coordination between Barangay Dagupan West and the 503rd Brigade to monitor and prevent activities that could lead to the recruitment of residents, particularly students, into local terrorist organizations. According to the barangay’s census report, four active officials and members of the CPA-Kalinga Chapter reside within its jurisdiction.
The symposium also featured speeches from officials of the Tabuk City and Kalinga Provincial local governments, who expressed their support for the NTF-ELCAC’s advocacy. The City Social Welfare and Development Office highlighted programs like the Single Parent Financial Support Program and scholarship opportunities for deserving students in Dagupan West.
Following the symposium, the 3rd Company, 5CMOBn, CMOR of the 503rd Brigade, led by MSgt. Tadiwan is scheduled to attend the general assembly of Tabuk City National High School. The brigade members aim to address parents and discuss the dangers posed by local terrorist groups, encouraging them to guide their children away from these influences.
