People’s groups slam CPP-NPA in Iloilo City indignation rally

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Three people’s organizations showed their resentment towards the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) following an “indignation rally” in Jaro, Iloilo City recently.

Around 50 members and representatives of the Sitio Ilaya Hugpong Bayanihan Urban Poor Association (SIHBUPA), Barangay Bitoon Bayanihan Newsite Bayanihan Association (BBNSBA), and Uswag Balabago Zone IV Bayanihan Association (UBZBA) gathered at Barangay Balabago to denounce the atrocities allegedly committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

SIHBUPA, which is formerly known as Sitio Ilaya Chapter Urban Poor Association (SICUPA) is from Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro while BBNSBA was more known as KAISOG before.

Meanwhile, UBZBA, which used to go by the name Uswag Zone 4 Balabago Association (UZBA), is based in Balabago village.

The groups carried placards and streamers condemning the rebel group.

They also burned a CPP-NPA flag, which they claimed would prove their disgruntlement with the rebels.

Former NPA cadres and organizers were also present to give their testimonials on how the NPAs duped recruits into joining the organization.

The indignation rally was a product of the conduct Community Support Program (CSP) of the 33rd Civil Military Operation Company, a unit under the operational control of the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade.

For Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st IB commander, what the organizations did was laudable given its bold stance in condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“We are glad that some people’s organizations in Iloilo City are now aware of the deceptive maneuvers and evil doings of the communist-terrorist groups. Their condemnation has left two clear indications; the losing armed movement of the communist-terrorists and the winning peace drive of the government,” Sison said.

CSP teams had been deployed in villages deemed as “white areas” or the so-called rebel-influenced in Iloilo City.

Consequently, PHP20-million was released under the Barangay Development Fund to six barangays in Iloilo City which were considered as “NPA-cleared” villages from 2016 to early 2019.

These barangays are Dungon A and B and Tacas in Jaro; Lapuz Norte, Ingore, and Sinikway.