Monday, March 16, 2015

Mayor warns of NPA recruitment of Lumads

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 15): Mayor warns of NPA recruitment of Lumads

Malungon, Sarangani – Local officials here have warned against the reported recruitment by New People’s Army (NPA) in remote villages inhabited by indigenous people.

Citing reports, Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said the NPA, the armed-wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been conducting recruitment in remote villages which are predominantly inhabited by B’laan and Tagakaulo tribesmen.

Constantino, together with Sangguniang Bayan members, conducted a dialogue recently with village officials and residents of Barangay Ampon to reiterate the commitment of the local government to provide basic services in depressed communities.

He said the local government was undertaking development programs in education, infrastructure, social and health services  aimed at uplifting the lives of the marginalized sector.

“I think there is no reason why we should support an ideology which is Godless and undemocratic,” Constantino said.

He urged the local officials and residents to support the programs being undertaken by the local government.

“There is no other government in the locality that should be supported by the people except the local government of Malungon,” the mayor said.

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo cited the importance of education for indigenous peoples as a means to alleviate from poverty.

“If the youth are properly educated, they could not easily be swayed to join lawless groups like the NPA,” Asgapo said.

Military authorities have expressed concern on the massive recruitment by NPA among the local indigenous peoples group in the remote villages.
 

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