Another town declares rebels ‘persona non grata’

By: Jennifer P. Rendon 

Another municipality in the province of Iloilo has vocally signified their aversion to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, National Democratic Front (NDF).

Bingawan’s Municipal Peace and Order Council passed Resolution Number 02 Series of 2019 declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata.

If someone becomes or is declared persona non grata, they become unwelcome or unacceptable because of something they have said or done.

Bingawan is the fourth municipality in Iloilo to declare NPA as such.

In Panay Island, the other areas that denounced the rebels are Antique province (15 towns and one of its barangays); two barangays in Iloilo; and one town and four barangays in Capiz.

On top of declaring PNP as persona non grata, Bingawan town also created Task Force ELCAC.

TF ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) is a multi-agency group created to harmonize and optimize government efforts and resources at the provincial level to address the root causes of insurgency and attain sustainable peace and development.

A peace covenant was also signed by Mayor Mark Palabrica and other officials.

Key local government unit (LGU) leaders and representatives of local government agencies, the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion, the Philippine National Police, reservists, and students witnessed the signing of EO Number 66, which creates Municipal Task Force ELCAC in support of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency.

Bingawan residents and stakeholders also participated in a walk for cause.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61st IB commander, lauded the efforts of the people of Bingawan and the MTF-ELCAC for making a strong and solid stand against the rebels.

“I urge everyone to continue working hand in hand for peace and development not only in this municipality but to the whole Panay Island. We are thankful and glad to the people of Bingawan for showing a united effort and having a leader with a consistent and strong political will to address insurgency,” Batara said.