IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon (PIA)—Realizing the deception and atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPA), 42 rebels—mostly supporters of the NPAs—have withdrawntheir support for the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).
This came after the ‘Grand Pulong-Pulong’ July 11 held at Sitio Nasandigan, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
The villagers expressed their remorse over their years of giving support to the group that has sowed nothing but fear and terror in their community. These villagers consist of a regular New People’s Army; four Milisyang Bayan (MB) members; and 37 mass supporters.
As they denounced the NPA during the activity, the villagers pledged their allegiance to the government vowing their loyalty and support to the one true Philippine Government.
One of the surrenderees identified as alias “Jing” said he is now aware of the deceptive schemes and evil tactics of the Communist rebel group. He said “Dako among pasalamat nga nalamdagan mi sa mga teroristang binuhatan sa mga walhong grupo nga NPA. Wala namo damha nga nagsugod na diay sila ug pangrekrut sa amo. (We are very thankful that we were enlightened of the terroristic acts of the communist-terrorist group. We never knew that at those stages, they were starting to recruit us).”
Community support program
Pulong-Pulong is one of the many activities under the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Philippine Army, which bridges the gap between the government and communities by delivering basic services to the people. The series of Pulong-Pulong activities held in Sitio Nasandigan and Sitio Kalampigan which are both situated at Barangay Kalabugao in Impasugong town was facilitated by the CSP Team of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB).
Under CSP activities, issues and concerns of the villagers are immediately conveyed by the Philippine Army to the different government agencies who quickly address the concerns.
Impasugong town Mayor Anthony Uy said, “Through CSP, we become aware of the needs of our people, the issues that the CNTs used to ruin the image of the government, and the NPA’s moves in recruiting our constituents.”
Major Lemuel Bacarro, Executive Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, urged the people to stand up against the evil of Communism as he bared how he once became a victim of the NPA’s deception.
“Ako ay isang buhay na testimonya sa kasamaan at kasakiman ng teroristang NPA dahil minsan noon ay nananalaytay sa akin ang dugong rebelde. (I am a living testimony of the evils and corruptions of the NPA terrorists because a rebel blood once ran through my veins). In my youth, I was used by the NPA terrorists until I became a member of the front organization in college. Sometimes we fall for the sweet promises of the leftist groups. But now, I am wholeheartedly calling everyone to stop listening to the Communist NPA Terrorists,” Major Bacarro appealed during the grand dialogue.
He also encouraged the former rebels and supporters to convince other active NPAs and supporters to surrender and join the mainstream society for a peaceful life.
“The government has all the best programs to offer peace for the NPA rebels so that they could enjoy progressive lives. Your true soldiers are here to fight for your rights and will serve as your partners for development,” Bacarro said. (CMO, 8IB, 403Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)
