176 FRs pledge support to ELCAC in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): 176 FRs pledge support to ELCAC in Agusan Norte (By 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 5 -- Some 176 Underground Mass Organizations Members (UGMOs) from Mahayahay, Brgy. Sangay, Kitcharao and Brgy. Curva in Santiago, Agusan del Norte took an oath and withdrew their support from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and its affiliated organizations on September 24 and 27, 2020.

The event is pursuant to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and to institutionalize the whole-of-the-nation approach towards Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This government program gives the CNTs the chance to surrender to the folds of the government so that they can experience peace in mainstream life.

The said former rebels were assisted by the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government council of Agusan del Norte.

The activity culminated in the burning of the CNTs' flag, which symbolized the withdrawal of the people’s support and denunciation of the said terrorist group.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, urged the remaining CNTs to surrender and return to the folds of the law.

"To all NPAs, surrender and return to the folds of the government, live comfortably and let us end this war together. The 29th Infantry Battalion is steadfast in helping our government to attain the peace that we all desire. Even during this pandemic, we will continue to fulfill our core mission in protecting you- our fellow Filipino citizen and securing our land,” he said. (1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, CMO Officer, 29IB, 4ID/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054811