Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City – With only three days before the New People’s Army (NPA) anniversary, 345 mass-based supporters and 18 Militia ng Bayan members pledged loyalty to the government in Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves town, Agusan del Norte last Friday, March 26.
Among those who returned to the folds of the law were: a.k.a Bernardo ; a.k.a Bern; a.k.a Carlito; a.k.a Danilo; a.k.a Jeson; a.k.a Garry; a.k.a Edieson; a.k.a Rolly; a.k.a Rufino; a.k.a Braiam; a.k.a Robert; a.k.a Leoncio; a.k.a Jay-ar; a.k.a Nielfred; a.k.a Maximo; a.k.a Isagani; a.k.a Juanito and a.k.a Jaime who were all ex-Militia ng Bayan members. The rebel returnees, who were members of Guerilla Front 4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, revealed how the NPA used them in crimes and illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the mass-based supporters were working in different underground mass organizations of the NPA in Caraga. In attendance during the activity were the barangay and municipal officials of Las Nieves, local populace, and the personnel of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station together with the 23rd IB, Philippine Army.
“We noticed their anger and frustration as they burned the NPA flag. For how many years, they were deceived and exploited by the enemies of state,” PNP Caraga Director PBGEN. ROMEO M. CARAMAT, JR. said. He also emphasized that the large number of surrenderee was a big blow to the NPA anniversary on March 29 citing the loss of mass-based support and the laying down of arms of some NPA members.
PNP Caraga together with all member agencies of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) will keep the momentum in mobilizing holistic approach to end local armed conflict in the region. Those who return to the folds of the law will be given financial support, livelihood assistance, and other services as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
(Source: Caraga Pulis Pio Facebook account)