BACOLOD CITY — Eighteen mass base supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in southern Negros Occidental have abandoned the rebel movement, the Philippine Army said on Friday.
The 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), in an emailed statement, said the supporters took an oath of allegiance in a ceremony held in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on Wednesday.
Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, commander of the 62nd IB, said they expect more rebel supporters to surrender as they continue to conduct extensive information campaign, focusing on the deceptive tactics and the atrocities of the CPP-NPA.
“The surrender of these supporters is a clear indication that they can no longer endure the barbarism and viciousness inflicted by this terrorist organization who feeds them nothing but poverty and misery,” he added.
Dacoscos lauded the surrenderers as well as the residents of Barangay Carabalan for denouncing the ruthlessness of the rebel group.
The ceremony, which also included burning of the CPP-NPA flag, pledge of peace, and candle lighting, was participated in by a former rebel and witnessed by about 180 village residents.
The 62nd IB troopers also gave a lecture on the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA and distributed flyers on the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) that can be availed of by NPA rebels who will surrender.
Dacoscos urged the remaining supporters and active members of the CPP-NPA to abandon the armed struggle and avail of the benefits from the government so they can live peacefully with their families.
First Lieutenant Allen Mark Tacorda, civil-military operations, said a former rebel and a former militia man from the area have availed of the ECLIP program.
The ceremony was also attended by Carabalan barangay officials led by village chief Mildred Titular and Sangguniang Kabataan officials headed by Aurelio Laja Jr., as well as Senior Inspector Renante Salgado, deputy police chief of Himamaylan; Rev. Fr. Ritchie Villaflor, assistant parish priest of Himamaylan; and Pastor Winston Villanueva. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
