Ilocos Sur residents denounce CPP-NPA infiltration in their community
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Tired and disturbed about the continues infiltration and deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA) in Region 1, some 240 residents of Suyo, Ilocos Sur held an indignation rally at Sitio Kimpatubbog, Barangay Poblacion, Suyo, Ilocos Sur.

Maj. Amado Gutierez , spokesperson of 7th ID said that, on September 16, the residents held a rally and claimed that they were being threatened by the Communist rebels following encounters with the military in their municipality last July 26, and other armed encounters in nearby municipalities.
According to 81st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr. PA, the activity was aimed at empowering the communities to have a united and firm stand not to support the terrorist group, as well as its allied organizations.
“The intensified civil-military operations, the efforts of Suyo Municipal Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), and the support from the grassroots are complimenting each other that led to the success of this activity against the CPP-NPA,” said Mariñas Jr.
The military also reported that some residents burned the effigy of exiled CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, NPA flags, and images of NPA leaders operating in Ilocos Sur.
This was followed by the bursting of red balloons and releasing of white doves which signified that the municipality is not in favor of the presence of the CPP-NPA in the municipality. It also symbolized their desire for peace and development in the area.
The event was led by Suyo Mayor Mario B. Subagan, together with other officials.
During the ceremony, a former rebel recalled the ills and evils of supporting the Communists, and read a statement of condemnation, stressing that they were deceived by the NPA and allied organizations, and encouraged everyone not to follow the mistakes they have committed.