Hinigaran farmers condemn NPA

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The local farmers organization in the municipality of Hinigaran in Negros Occidental denounced the alleged atrocities and deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Members of the Campi Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (CARBA), Pilar Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (PARBA), and Raming Farm Workers Association (RAFA) took their oath of allegiance before Pilar village chief Benjamin Yulo.

It was followed by the ceremonial signing of a resolution declaring the NPA as persona-non-grata, candlelighting, dialogue, and burning of the NPA flag in rites held at the said village last Friday.

The activity was facilitated by the Barangay Pilar officials and supported by the local government unit (LGU), and law enforcement agencies.

Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo, said in his message “that the people should not let the NPA fool and destroy their lives.”

“If there’s no peace, there’s no progress and development. We want to end terrorism to achieve a lasting peace because the future generation deserves it. We are here to call for peace,” Arceo stressed.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), lauded the united efforts of the local farmers and the LGU for condemning the NPA in their area.

“Continue to support the government in condemning the NPA atrocities. We don’t want you to be the victims of their atrocities. Do not hesitate to report the presence of any armed group in your area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Colonel Romy Palgue, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), reminded the people to defend their barangays, the community and most especially their families from terrorists and illegal drugs just like how strict everyone is in fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We should defend our community against insurgency. We should not back down. Let us all unite in this endeavor,” Palgue said.