32 ‘NPA sympathizers' pledge support to gov't

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 25): 32 ‘NPA sympathizers pledge support to gov't

Thirty-two people, claiming to be sympathizers and supporters of the New People's Army in southern Negros Oriental, recently took their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony in Barangay Milagrosa, Sta. Catalina town.

The “Oath of Faithfulness to Government” was held as part of the culmination of the Bayanihan Team activities of the 79 th  Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The oath-taking was administered by Milagrosa barangay kagawad Jose Santos, Lt. Alex Robillos of the 79 th  IB said in a press release yesterday.

In her testimonial message, a purported supporter of the NPA called on other residents to support the government, and encouraged them to end whatever support they are giving to the NPAs to prevent them from becoming “victims of the insurgents”, the press release said.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302 nd  Infantry Brigade, is promoting the essence of Bayanihan to “win the peace” and pave the way for development, Robillos said.

Patrimonio encouraged barangay residents to commit themselves to work as one for the betterment of everybody.

An outreach program was conducted during the oath-taking for around 500 individuals, who availed of free medical consultation, dental services, circumcision, senior citizens' ID processing, free haircut, massage, animal vaccination, and a feeding program.

Slippers were also distributed to the children, courtesy of the Galway Clinic–INGO, an Irish non-government organization.

The activity was recorded through the efforts of the 79 th  Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, the 302 nd  (Achiever) Brigade, 703 rd  CDC, LGU- Sta. Catalina, barangay officials of Milagrosa, and volunteer nurses from the Negros Oriental High School Batch '94.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/April/25/negor2.htm