We need government support to fight CPP-NPA – Lt. Col. Lacurom

By BONG PEDALINO, (PIA Southern Leyte)
June 24, 2006

LILOAN, Southern Leyte –  The Commanding Officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in barangay Hibod-Hibod, Sogod, this province has welcomed the announcement of the Commander-In-Chief, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to commit a P1 Billion fund to finish the communist-led insurgency in a much shorter timeline of two years in the country.

"Itong announcement ni Pangulong Arroyo ay welcome sa amin ito lalo na sa mga kasundalohan. We have a commitment to serve the country, we know our mandate, and we are doing our best in order for all of us to achieve lasting peace and order in our country, especially in Southern Leyte," Lt. Col. Mario Lacurom, 43rd IB Commander said when sought for his reaction on the so-called "Isabela initiative" at barangay Fatima this town.

Lacurom and his men were in barangay Fatima in this municipality June 21 to attend and provide security for the blessing and turn-over rites of an eight-classroom school building complex sponsored by GMA Kapuso Foundation together with Habitat for Humanity intended for the displaced residents of barangay Malangza.

GMA 7 TV News Anchor Mel Tiangco, the Chief Executive Office of Kapuso Foundation and top Executives of Habitat for Humanity were the special guests, along local officials led by Gov. Rosette Lerias.

"Kailangan namin ito, yung financial support ng gobyerno, para ipag-bili ng mga gamit namin sa pakikidigma sa mga kalaban natin particularly sa CPP-NPA," Lt. Col. Lacurom added.

The local Army Chief, whose area of operation covered the entire Southern Leyte extending to parts of the 5th District of Leyte from Matalom to Baybay towns, singled out the need to acquire equipment and transport service facilities, saying they encountered difficulty in the maintenance cost of existing ones.

Lacurom also said he was no longer surprised with the announcement of the President inasmuch as they have been airing their needs and submitted the corresponding budget requirements to their higher-ups for "new items to replace the old ones to sustain the momentum."

He allayed fears the money may be used nowhere, stressing that the present leadership was concerned with the welfare of the men in the field, in the frontlines.

And if President Arroyo foresees the job done in two year’s time, Lt. Col. Lacurom batted for a much shorter time-frame as soon as they get their fair share of the newly delivered combat paraphernalia.

"Within my area of responsibility kung makukuha natin sa three months lalong mas maigi," he said.