BALER, Aurora – At least 31 residents here, who had been exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), formally withdrew their support for the communist rebel group (CTG) recently.
Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion, said the withdrawal of support by the 31 residents of Sitio Dicaloyungan was a result of the series of dialogues and symposiums facilitated by their unit.
“This group mass-based of the CTG swore allegiance to the government after withdrawing their support to the CPP-NPA. I am very thankful for this development and hopefully, more supporters will do the same,” Recto said.
The group, he said, realized that they fell victim to the deceptive strategy of the CPP-NPA-NDF through its agitate-organize-mobilize tactics that prompted them to join its sectoral front organizations.
“Their commitment to withdraw support from the rebel group is a bold step towards total eradication of insurgency in the province,” he added, and urged the group not to allow communist-terrorist groups to manipulate and deceive them again.
“We will ensure to bring services and programs for the people like you. Let us unite and encourage the remaining rebels to return to the fold of law and avail of the government’s reintegration program,” Recto stressed.
One of the group members, Juanito Munar, 60, said: “Now is the time to show our full support to the government. Our military and other government agencies will help us to attain lasting peace. Let us denounce the CTG to the fullest level.”
Munar also thanked the 91st IB and other partner agencies for helping bring peace to the province. The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)