CAMP MAJOR SABIDO, Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur (DWDD) – One hundred forty mass supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) from the mountainous Barangay of Saad, Dumingag town in Zamboanga Del Sur surrendered and pledged their allegiance and support to the government during the “Panagtigum Alang sa Kalambuan Ug Kalinaw” (Union for Development and Progress) during the celebration of their “Araw ng Barangay” last Aug 26.
Col Bagnus Gearlan GSC (INF) PA, the Brigade Commander of 102 Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade, 1ID, PA, graces the occasion along with Dumingag Mayor Mark Pacalioga, Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria Inf (GSC) PA, the Commanding Officer of the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, 1ID, PA and PCI Norbert Velonza, Chief of Dumingag police station.
Hon. Jeffrey Señara, the Barangay Captain of Saad led his community in denouncing the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) influence in their barangay and in burning CPP-NPA flags to cap the ceremony. He mainly attributed their poor condition to the continued presence of armed rebels in the vicinity.
However, as they denounced the armed revolution of the CPP-NPA-NDF, they are hopeful that development can finally come to their community for the improvement of their living conditions.
Mayor Pacalioga, who also brought along with him representatives of their LGU Offices, vowed to continue to improve their delivery of basic services up to far-flung communities.
“The LGU of Dumingag, ZDS promises to provide and deliver the basic services of the people especially those who are living in far-flung areas like barangay Saad. We want to thank the military for being a partner always in the development of our municipality especially in their effort to fight against insurgency. Thus, we promise to bring heavy equipments for the repair of the road in the area to help our people in their daily living,” he said.
He also resumed the paving and concreting of the access road to the said barangay, a project that was often stalled due to NPA harassment and extortion activities.
The military, meanwhile, committed to put more soldiers in the vicinity to increase their presence and ensure that the communities are continuously protected and government projects can continue towards their completion.
“Even if there is peace it does not mean that there is no conflict. Our hands are always open to help those who want to go back to the side of the government. Let’s cooperate and help each other if we want to achieve a peaceful life,” Col Bagnus said.
Saad is a depressed barangay of Dumingag in Zamboanga del Sur. It is categorized as influenced by the NPA for decades since many are active members of CNTs underground organizations. These members used to form part of the mass base of CPP/NPA/NDF that sustains the armed group by providing it with able members among residents they have agitated and aroused through their deceptive and manipulative propaganda. They also facilitate collection of goods and money for extortion and information about government forces to avoid armed encounter, capture or arrest.
Lt Col Patria in his speech also emphasized the governments’ re-integration program, particularly the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
He said, “E-CLIP is now being enjoyed by former rebels who chose to abandon armed revolution and decided go back to the mainstream society to live normal and peaceful lives with their families.” 102IBde Igsoon / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/31/development-and-progress-140-ex-npa-mass-supporters-surrender/
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