• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A top ranking Philippine Army official in Visayas called for a united effort to finish the fight against terrorism financing in the region, following the arrest three suspects in Negros Occidental on January 2.
“Let’s continue to work together and finish the fight against terrorism financing. By this, we can bring the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) to its ultimate end. Through our continued cooperation, collaboration and resolute dedication, we can put an end to this menace and establish a Stable internal Peace and Security environment in this region,” Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement.
On the other hand, militant groups in Negros came to the defense of the three individuals they claimed are community workers, who were arrested separately in Negros Occidental, by virtue of search warrants for violation of Republic Act 10168, or the Terrorism and Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.
Bayan Negros and Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN), who condemned the arrest of Federico Salvilla, Perla Pavillar, and Dharyll Albanez, dismissed the complaints as trumped up charges.
They also demanded the immediate release of the three.
Those arrested are alleged by authorities to be affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its allied front organizations in Negros Island.
Sison commended the Special Task Group on Countering CTG Resource Generation for Region 6 (STG-CCRG) in its recent efforts and achievement in filing terrorism financing cases against CTG affiliated organizations in the region.
He said the successful arrests of three individuals, based on warrants issued by RTC Branch 31 in Iloilo City, for violations of the Anti-Terrorism Financing Law, represent a crucial step in curbing the flow of funds and resources to the CTG.
This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the JRTF-ELCAC6 and the STG-CCRG to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of the people of Western Visayas, Sison added.
He said the 3ID recognizes the insidious nature of the terrorist financing network, which operates through various front organizations disguised as legitimate entities.
These groups, often masking their true intentions, exploit both international and local sources to provide vital material, financial, and logistical support to sustain the CTGs terroristic activities and exploitation of communities in far-flung areas, Sison also said.
The 3ID firmly believe that the arrests and subsequent prosecution of those involved in financing terrorism are vital steps towards establishing a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Region 6, he added.*
