38 ex-rebel mass supporters vow allegiance to government

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – 38 alleged former mass supporters of the New People’s-Army (NPA) vowed full allegiance to the government during a peace rally held at the covered court of Barangay Tabun-ac, Toboso, Negros Occidental on November 18.

These residents from Barangays Tabun-ac and Bandila hoisted banners and placards bearing messages denouncing the NPA, followed by the burning of the NPA flag showing that they withdraw their support to the communist movement, according to a press release from the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).

In a statement, Mayor Richard Jaojoco thanked the 79th IB, police, and other partner agencies for bringing peace in the municipality. He also reminded the residents to help the government in protecting their communities.

“For over 50 years, we have been dealing with the problem on insurgency. Do not allow the NPA to manipulate and control you. That is why we in the government ensure to bring basic services closer to our constituents,” Jaojoco said.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran said the pledge to withdraw their support from the armed group is already a bold step towards ending insurgency.

“To the former mass supporters, we hope for your continued support and participation in our campaign against insurgency and terrorism,” Alvaran said, as they assured them that they will continue to collaborate with the local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to help the communities to be resilient against the threats being brought by these groups.

The Army also distributed food packs and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) leaflets.

Meanwhile, 84 residents of Barangay Canlusong in E.B. Magalona town gathered in a Peace Advocacy Symposium last Friday.

The symposium included lectures and audio-visual presentations aimed at giving awareness to the community regarding insurgency and to empower the residents to be productive and well-informed members of the society.

One of the highlights of the activity was the ceremonial signing of a barangay resolution declaring the CPP-NPA and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), as persona-non-grata in their community.

Mayor Marvin Malacon thanked the Philippine Army for its commitment in bringing peace to the municipality and reminded the people to unite for the development of their community.

“Ugyon kita tanan, mag-isa kita tanan sa isa ka kawsa, sa pag asenso sa Barangay Canlusong,” said Malacon.

Alvaran said, “symposiums like this will equip the residents to resolve possible issues that will provoke them to join the armed group and help prevent infiltration of the CNTs in the community.”

Alvaran said that attaining a just, sustainable, and lasting peace cannot be left to the security forces alone. “We need to unite and help each other contribute to the peace-building efforts of the government and be partners in ending local communist armed conflict,” he added.