ONGOING three government road construction projects in Caraga region were all vital that would favor the government troops in their operations against the communist rebels, Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) officials said Wednesday.
4ID public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero reiterated the imminent defeat of the New People's Army (NPA) after 4ID commander disclosed during the Caraga regional development council meeting via video teleconference on Sept. 28.
"That road projects will help the soldiers in their operations against the NPA rebels," said Cordero adding that the start of the rebels'defeat in Caraga.
Cordero said the road projects were the Cabadbaran-Puting Bato-Lanuza Road, Butuan-Pianing-Tandag Road, Lasicam-Camp Edward, Alegria Road and San Miguel-Calaitan Road.
“These are highly-impact road projects for us," said 4ID commander Andres C. Centino.
Centino said the projects that would cut across NPA guerrilla bases in Caraga, which happen to be the government troops' disadvantaged areas.
"These projects will also improve the maneuverability of our security forces while limiting the communist rebels’ freedom of movement," Centino said in terms of the security operations.
During Centino's presentation, he stressed that these road opening and concreting projects will also spur economic activities in these far-flung and depressed areas.
"These roads facilitate the delivery of basic services, thus resolving critical grass-root issues that have been exploited by the communist rebels," said Centino.
He added that the projects and the ensuing government interventions will consequently turn the areas into becoming progressive and resilient communities.
Meanwhile, Caraga public works and highways regional director Pol M. Delos Santos, gave the assurance that the projects mentioned by Gen. Centino are indeed priority projects of the government.
“These road projects are one of the identified priority projects of the President," said Delos Santos.
He also assured that the road projects will expedite its completion to support the peace, security and development efforts in the areas.
Meanwhile, Cordero said the Caraga's RDC meeting was presided over by Agusan del Noŕte governor Dale Corvera via video teleconference attended by regional directors of line government agencies, including the governors, mayors of Highly Urbanized City, and representatives from the Academe and private sector. (Ben Balce)
