19 NPA mass base supporters become ‘agents of peace’

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nineteen former mass base supporters of the New People’s Army have formally withdrawn their support from the local rebel group.

They officially renounced their ties to groups instigating local terrorism during the Local Peace Engagement Initiative (Withdrawal of Support) held at the Aklan Police Provincial Office headquarters at Camp Pastor Martelino in Kalibo, Aklan.

Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict-Region 6, spearheaded the activity, which formed part of the government’s intensified campaign to address terrorism-inducing activities through peaceful and lawful means.

The former mass base supporters, previously affiliated with sectoral front organizations involved in activities inducing terrorism, voluntarily executed affidavits withdrawing their support from the rebel group.

By pledging to stand with the government in promoting peace and development in the province, they are now dubbed “agents of peace.”

The event was attended by Police Col. Arnel Ramos, Aklan police chief; Lt. Col. Elmar Salvador of the 82nd Infantry (Bantay Laya) Battalion; Lt. Col. Joselito Dalida, executive officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade; and representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Aklan, Department of Labor and Employment-Aklan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Aklan, Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 6, and PTF-ELCAC Aklan.

As part of the government’s reintegration support, each beneficiary received food assistance worth PHP 10,000 from the Social Welfare and Development-DSWD Aklan and food packs from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office-Aklan.

The assistance aims to help them transition back to productive and peaceful community life.

Ben, one of the former supporters, expressed gratitude to the government for the support extended to them and acknowledged the importance of unity under the Whole-of-Government Approach.

He also conveyed hope that their decision would inspire remaining members of the group to abandon terrorism-inducing activities and choose the path of peace.

The Aklan provincial government and other partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to welcome those who wish to return to the folds of the law.