BACOLOD CITY – At least 40 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels met Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, April 12, to express their concern about the threats they have been receiving from their former comrades in the armed struggle.
FORMER New People’s Army (NPA) rebels meet Mayor Melecio Yap Jr., the police, and the military in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, April 12, to express their concern about their safety. (Photo courtesy of the 79th IB)
The meeting was conducted after the rebel returnees allegedly received letters from the dismantled Northern Negros Guerilla Front discrediting and threatening them for returning to mainstream society and choosing the path to peace. According to the Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), the rebel returnees told them that these letters were propaganda targeting not only them but also their active comrades who would want to surrender. The former rebels shared their concerns with the city government, police, and the Army regarding their situation. They requested for strengthened security and direct communication to counter these threats. Yap assured the former rebels of their safety. “I will not turn my back on you,” Yap said, adding that the government will continue to extend help and provide ways to shield them from any threats as they continue to live in mainstream society.
FORMER New People’s Army (NPA) rebels meet Mayor Melecio Yap Jr., the police, and the military in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, April 12, to express their concern about their safety. (Photo courtesy of the 79th IB)
The meeting was conducted after the rebel returnees allegedly received letters from the dismantled Northern Negros Guerilla Front discrediting and threatening them for returning to mainstream society and choosing the path to peace. According to the Army 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), the rebel returnees told them that these letters were propaganda targeting not only them but also their active comrades who would want to surrender. The former rebels shared their concerns with the city government, police, and the Army regarding their situation. They requested for strengthened security and direct communication to counter these threats. Yap assured the former rebels of their safety. “I will not turn my back on you,” Yap said, adding that the government will continue to extend help and provide ways to shield them from any threats as they continue to live in mainstream society.