PANGIL, Laguna, Philippines — The Community Investigative Section (CIS) of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) now has over 700 members in Region 4-A, covering Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon (Calabarzon).

Coming from different sectors in the region, they took their oath as members of the CIS-CIDG Friday at the Panguil River Eco-Park, here.

Director Samuel Pagdilao, CIDG director, led the oath-taking ceremony for the new recruits of the CIS who also underwent a seminar-orientation on basic knowledge on investigation, human rights, and rules of arrest.

The Cavite Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), headed by Reynaldo Magdaluyo, had the most number of CIS recruits with 170, followed by the Laguna CIDT under Chief Inspector Orlando Castil with 140.

On the same occasion, Pagdilao, together with Senior Superintendent Bernabe Balba, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with officials of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The MOA provides for technical assistance in proper ways of planting trees as well as proper maintenance and protection of the same to ensure their survival.

They planted at least 1,000 trees as one of highlights of the event.

A blood letting activity was also held supervised by the Philippine National Red Cross Team with the theme “Dugo Ko, Alay ko sa Kapwa” participated by recruited CIS and officers of the CIDG including Supt. Archival Macala , CIDG 4-A deputy chief and Chief inspector Jay Agcaoili, Batangas CIDT chief.

Pagdilao said the recruitment of CIS members created a strong partnership with the communities in the fight against criminality.