93 communists surrender in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY – Ninety-three members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines from Leyte province withdrew their support and took their oath of allegiance to the government on Thursday, Jan. 19.

They belong to four mass organizations in Alangalang town – Alangalang Small Farmers Association (ASFA), Salvacion Coconut Farmers Association (SALCOFA), Alyansa han Gugti na Asosasyon han Parag Uma han Tabanguhay (AGAPITA), and Bigaa Samahan han Gugti nga Parag Uma han Asosasyon ngan Katirig-uban ha Alangalang (BISAKA).

They were under the Alangalang Seksyon Komite (ASK), Regional White Area Committee, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, CPP-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

These four groups united and formed the Alangalang Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association.

Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla led government agencies in receiving the rebel returnees.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, attributed the withdrawal of communist-affiliated mass organizations to the concerted efforts of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) and members of the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA) who were former CPP-NPA-NDF armed regulars, party members, and cadres.

Vestuir cited the need to sustain efforts to fully cut the connection of the CPP-NPA-NDF from their affiliate mass organizations.

"We have to free our people from their influence and exploitation and put a stop to their propaganda and fund generation scheme," he said.

"I reiterate my call to the NPA remnants who are still hiding in the mountains to go down, lay down your arms, join your families and loved ones, and enjoy a safe, peaceful, and happy life in the mainstream of our society," he added.