CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City - Forty-two supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) have withdrawn their support for the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).
In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Friday, Civil Military Operations Officer (CMO) of the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (8th IB) 2nd Lt. Camille M. Bumatay said the NPA supporters expressed their remorse over their years of giving support to the "group that has sowed nothing but fear and terror in their community."
They took their oath of allegiance to the government during the Grand Pulong-Pulong held at Sitio Nasandigan, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon last July 11, Bumatay said.
They included one NPA regular, 4 NPA Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members, and 37 mass supporters.
“As they denounced the NPA during the activity, the villagers also pledged their allegiance to the government, vowing their loyalty and support to the one true Philippine Government,” Bumatay said.
One of the surrenderees identified as "Ka Jing" said he is now aware of the deceptive schemes and evil tactics of the CNTs. "Dako among pasalamat nga nalamdagan mi sa mga teroristang binuhatan sa mga walhong grupo nga NPA. Wala namo damha nga nagsugod na sila ug pangrekrut kanamo” (We are very thankful that we were enlightened of the terrorist acts of the Communist Terrorist Group," he said.
Community Support Program
The Pulong-Pulong is one of the many activities under the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 8th IB which bridges the gap between the government and communities by delivering basic services to the people, Bumatay said.
The series of Pulong-Pulong activities held in Sitio Nasandigan and Sitio Kalampigan which are both situated in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon, was facilitated by the CSP Team of the 8th IB.
During the CSP activities, issues and concerns of the villagers are immediately conveyed by the Philippine Army to the different government agencies.
Impasug-aong town Mayor Anthony A. Uy said: “Through CSP, we became aware of the needs of our people, the issues that the CNTs used to ruin the image of the government and their moves in recruiting our constituents."
Maj. Lemuel Bacarro, 8th IB Executive Officer, called on to the people to stand up against the evil of the communism as he bared how he once became a victim of the NPA’s deception.
“I am a living testimony of the evils and corruptions of the NPA terrorists because rebel blood runs through my veins. In my youth, I was used by the NPA terrorists until I became a member of the front organization of the youth in college," Bacarro said.
“Sometimes we fall for the sweet promises of the leftist groups. But now, I am wholeheartedly calling everyone to stop listening to the leftist groups," he said.
“Your true soldiers are here to fight for your rights and will serve as your partners for development,” Bacarro said.