The Philippine Army reported that former supporters of the New People’s Army in remote barangays of Tabun-ac and Bandila in Toboso, Negros Occidental have withdrawn their support to the rebel group.
Lt.Col. Gerard Alvaran, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said that the surrender of 38 NPA supporters in the area indicated their frustrations to the underground movement.
It’s a step towards ending insurgency, he said.
Placards and streamers denouncing the NPA were displayed during a peace rally held at the covered court of Barangay Tabun-ac in Toboso, the military report said.
The CPP-NPA-NDF flag was also burned during the gathering, the report added.
Mayor Richard Jaojoco thanked the 79IB, the Philippine National Police and other partner-agencies for bringing peace in Toboso.
He also called on residents to help the government in protecting their communities.
“For over 50 years, we have been dealing with the problem on insurgency. Do not allow the NPA to manipulate and control you,” Jaojoco said in a statement.
That is why, he continued, “we, in the government ensure to bring basic services closer to our constituents”.
He also rallied the village folk to unite and help in convincing rebels to surrender and avail of the government’s E-CLIP program.
This way, we could attain genuine peace and progress in our community, Jaojoco added. – GB
