LOYALTY TO PHILIPPINE FLAG. Some 122 men salute the Philippine flag during their unit’s formal activation at the para-military training camp of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Friday (Aug. 14, 2020). They will train to become government militiamen as part of the augmentation of security personnel for Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province. (Photo courtesy of Tacurong LGU)
COTABATO CITY – The local government of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) on Friday jointly formed a company-size Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) unit to augment security forces in the area.
On the same day, the 122 CAA aspirants also started their basic military training at the 6th Division CAA training base in Barangay Taviran, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, Tacurong Mayor Angelo Montilla said.
Former mayor Lina Montilla, who worked out the activation of the CAA during her last term as Tacurong chief executive, served as the guest of honor and speaker. She is the sister of the incumbent mayor.
As a bustling city in the region, Tacurong has become vulnerable to security threats. The activation of CAAs will not only complement the efforts of regular military troops but also empower residents to directly participate in maintaining peace and development in the locality.
“The CAA activation has long been thought about, and realizing it now would surely bolster the security of the city since the auxiliaries will serve as a force multiplier to our military and police forces," Montilla said in her speech.
In his message, Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the 6ID and concurrent chief of the Joint Task Force Central, reminded the trainees about their role in maintaining peace in their city.
Carreon also said in this time of the pandemic, the CAA could expand its role by helping front-liners implement health protocols in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019. (PNA)
