By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The influence of communist groups has weakened across the country with around 24,000 of their members surrendering to the government during President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.
In the May 5 Laging Handa briefing, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said communist groups and guerilla fronts have deteriorated since the current administration took over.
“Napakalaki ng hinina nila. Kasi as of yesterday (May 4) na nagbi-briefing sa akin iyong ELCAC [National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict] ay 24,000 na iyong surrenderees. Iyong armado at saka iyong masa kasi iba-iba iyan,” he said.
“Ito iyong mga kusang bumabalik sa gobyerno iyong armado, kasama iyong mga armas nila. And the government is taking care of them,” he added.
Lorenzana said those who have surrendered were provided houses, livelihood, medical services, and education for the children by the government.
According to the official, 47 of the 81 guerilla fronts have already been neutralized.
Meanwhile, he said the upcoming May 9 national and local elections will be “very peaceful,” but urged candidates to report to authorities those who are forcing them to pay for permits for their campaign activities.
“Mayroon tayong task force composed of AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] at saka PNP [Philippine National Police] na nagmamanman kung sino iyong lumalabag sa batas, iyong nangongotong o [nagbibigay ng] permit-to-campaign,” he said.
“Kung ma-prove nila iyan ay iri-report nila sa Comelec [Commission on Elections] and Comelec will file the charges,” he said. – ag
