All 17 barangays in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and its political wing, National Democratic Front, persona non-grata, the Philippine Amy said.
The public declaration was made in a gathering held in the covered court of Barangay Gil Montilla Gil on Feb. 12 after the barangays passed a resolution stating that the communist-terrorist groups are unwelcome in their respective localities.
The activity, attended by local and barangay officials led by Mayor Maria Gina Lizares and city police chief Maj. James Latayon Jr. was participated in by 145 individuals, who also held a peace parade while carrying placards expressing their rejection of the presence of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the southern Negros city.
Col. Leo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, acknowledged the collaborative peace initiatives of all village chiefs under the leadership of Lizares, who chairs the city’s Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
“I urge you to be more participative in the whole of government and whole of nation approach to further alienate the public against the communist-terrorists,” he said.
Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of 15th Infantry Battalion based in neighboring Cauayan town, said publicly declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non-grata is a bold move in eradicating and preventing the communist-terrorist group’s influence in Sipalay, the top tourist destination in Negros Occidental known for its beaches and dive sites.
“The activity is a good start in devoting ourselves to being exemplars of peace and development…It lifted our resolve and ensured everyone’s commitment in fighting and ending the local communist armed conflict…We need to stand up in this fight against terrorism and work together to ensure the protection of the Sipalaynons and their communities,” he added.
During the program, the village officials were reminded of their duties and responsibilities to ensure the realization and operationalization of the TF-ELCAC at the barangay level and given an orientation on the campaign against insurgency and the Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Each barangay also received the persona non-grata tarpaulin to be mounted in their respective villages. – NLG
