The local government of Balangiga, Eastern Samar has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) persona non grata in the area.
The local government in its resolution strongly condemned the seizure of relief goods by the group in Sitio Bangon, Barangay Guinmaayohan. They also disclosed such activities of NPA have been going on since April 5.
“Ngayon lang kasi nangyari to, sa pagrerelief naming, during calamities wala namang mga ganito na may presence yung communist terrorist groups. So ngayon lang nangyari na may ganon (This only happened now in our relief distribution. During calamities, none of this take place that there is presence of communist terror groups. So it’s only now that such incident happened),” Balangiga Mayor Randy Graza said.
The LGU and Philippine Army have now tightened cooperation to ensure the safety of the residents.
Eighth Infantry Division (8ID) Commander Maj. Gen. Pio Diῆoso III said more military personnel are to be deployed in the area to prevent a recurrence of the incident, moreso that relief distribution for affected residents of the area is ongoing.
They also called the groups not to take what is allotted for the people since the military is ready to help them. The local government of Northern Samar also expressed readiness to help members of the NPA, but should “lay down their arms” first.
“If we give them food outright with arms on hands, it’s like supporting a rebellion,” Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan said.
Malacaῆang has earlier condemned the activities of the groups in the province.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) bared it has been receiving reports that leftist groups have plans to seize relief goods intended for Northern Samar residents.
They also said the NPA is hatching a plan against government troops. – Report from Bea Bernardo
