COMMITTED TO END INSURGENCY. Igbaras Mayor Jaime Esmeralda (extreme right, standing) holds high the resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) persona non-grata on Thursday (Jan. 30, 2020). Such declaration shows the local government's commitment to end insurgency, the Philippine Army said. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion)
ILOILO CITY -- Igbaras town in Iloilo province has started this year's fight against insurgency right by declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) persona non-grata, an official of the Philippine Army has said.
Members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) of Igbaras town, headed by Mayor Jaime Esmeralda, convened on Thursday and passed a resolution declaring the rebels unwelcome.
"The MPOC has shown their commitment to the government in the war against insurgency by passing the resolution," said Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion, in a phone interview Friday.
Such declaration reflects the thirst of Igbaras locals for genuine peace and progress, he said, as there were atrocities committed by the rebel group in Igbaras in the previous years.
"There were burning of equipment, extortion to big businessmen and contractors, recruitment of minors, and many other treacherous moves of the rebels. The people of Igbaras are already tired of these," he said.
He cited an encounter between the government troops and the rebels led by Melgar Besmanos alias Mar of Sibat (SYP) Platoon, Southern Front Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay under Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong last year.
Batara said the CPP-NPA has planned to sabotage Century Peak Energy Corporation (CPEC) and the company's Hydropower Plant in the mountainous area of Igbaras town.
The Army was able to foil the attack and recovered from the rebels three Molotov bombs, a rifle grenade, hand grenade, blasting cap, two packs ammonium nitrate, two dynamites and a terrorist shirt.
"They planned to ambush the employees of the CPEC and the civilians there. This is just a proof that the rebels are against development in Igbaras town," he said.
The declaration of the rebels as unwelcome in Igbaras does not only end on paper, he said.
The bold action of the local government unit will encourage the locals in the village level, especially the village officials, to also do their share in the fight against insurgency.
"This will drive the village officials to act because they are being led by a strong local chief executive," he said.
Batara also noted that the declaration will leave an impact on the side of the rebels.
This is also one way to encourage members of the CPP-NPA to return to the government fold.
The towns of Bingawan, Maasin, Tubungan, Janiuay, among others have already declared communist members as unwelcome.
The Army commander said Leon and Alimodian towns are set to replicate the declaration this year.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092605
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