Northern Samar farmers warned vs. NPA deception

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4, 2020): Northern Samar farmers warned vs. NPA deception (By Sarwell Meniano)

NO TO NPA. Lt. Col. Juan Gullem, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Batallion speaks to villagers in a gathering in Las Navas, Northern Samar. The official has warned villagers in Northern Samar against a farmer's group spreading the communist terrorist ideology. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th Infantry Batallion)

A Philippine Army official has warned villagers in Northern Samar against a farmer's group spreading communist terrorist ideology.

Army's 20th Infantry Batallion commander, Lt. Col. Juan Gullem said the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and its umbrella organizations in Northern Samar have been encouraging farmers to join the armed struggle of the New People’s Army (NPA).

KMP has been identified as one of NPA's legal fronts.

Their local subgroups are the Northern Samar Small Farmers Association and Samahan ng Gugti na Parag-uma (alliance of small farmers).

"To KMP, I just want you to know that my heart belongs to you. My father is a farmer and I was raised on a farm. Just like you, I also experienced eating crops instead of rice. Our difference is that you allowed yourself to be influenced by communist ideology," Gullem said in a Facebook post on Friday.

The official recalled how the NPA killed his father due to his refusal to pay revolutionary tax.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, Gullem said he has to make the public post "for people to know the truth to alienate them from the bondage of Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA".

The story of former rebel Rey Christian Sabado proves that the NPA in Northern Samar has been using farmer's group to promote the communist ideology, according to Gullem.

Sabado, who was captured in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Oct. 3, 2019, admitted that he used to gather farmers through KMP and affiliate groups.

Sabado is one of the former rebels who testified in a Senate hearing on red-tagging held on Tuesday.

"My appeal to the NPA and their legal fronts is to stop your lies and stop deceiving people. If you want peace, lay down your arms and let us talk. We will welcome you open arms and embrace you in the name of peace," Gullem added.

Northern Samar is considered to be the NPA’s stronghold in Eastern Visayas due to poor road network, thick forest, high poverty incidence, and low level of education in upland communities.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123819