Press Release

February 3, 2012

303 mass supporters withdrew support from OCG; pledge allegiance with govt CAMP PANACAN, Davao City - 303 mass supporters of the organized crime group (OCG), believed to be affiliated with the New Peoples Army, voluntarily submitted themselves to the government troops on January 28, 2012 and withdrew their support from the said notorious group. In a report, 10th Infantry Division disclosed that about 10 of the 303 mass supporters have (previously) direct participation with the criminal activities of the OCG now denounced and disengaged their membership and affiliation with the criminal group. All of them are residents of Brgy. Little Baguio in Malita, Davao del Sur mostly residing in Sitio Malbag, Sitio Kisoy and Sitio Lenna. Lt. Col. Adolfo Espuelas, Commander of Task Group (TG) Mulawin assures that the Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) will continue its mission in cooperating together with the Local Government Units (LGUs), and other public and private stakeholders in its aim of winning peace. We are looking forward for the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process (OPAPP) to implement its projects for the affected communities, thru PAMANA. Lt. Col. Espuelas said. He added that they already made an initial coordination with OPPAP to include the three affected sitios as its beneficiaries for the PAMANA project. Accordingly, OCGs are exploiting the people in communities to favour their interest in toppling down the government using socio-economic issues. This massive surrender and disengagement of supporters to OCGs indicates that our effort to reach out to the community and delivering basic services to far flung areas have been very effective tools in gaining the trust and confidence of the people, Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID Spokesperson, said. He also ensures that 10th ID will further diversify its reach thru PDOP in addressing the needs of every community. TG Mulawin started its Peace and Development Outreach Program in Malita Davao Del Sur last August 2011 under the leadership of Col. Glorioso V. Miranda, the 1002 nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Released by: LTC LYNDON V. PANIZA INF (GSC) PA Spokesperson 10th Infantry Agila Division, Philippine Army Contact # 0917-7110146 Email add: dpao10id@yahoo.com