NCRPO, JTF-NCR lauds NCRTF-ELCAC for surrender of 13 Reds

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 31, 2021): NCRPO, JTF-NCR lauds NCRTF-ELCAC for surrender of 13 Reds (By Nonette N. Castillo) Published on March 31, 2021

NCRPO photos

CALOOCAN CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- The chiefs of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) both cited the bayanihan efforts of the NCR Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NCRTF-ELCAC) that resulted in the surrender of 13 "red area" personalities to the authorities.

NCRPO chief PMGen. Vicente Danao Jr said the security forces' serious effort to support Executive Order 70 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been instrumental in the surrender of the personalities composed of members of Militia ng Bayan, Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, and core leaders and officers of Sandigan ng Maralitang Nagkakaisa (SAMANA), and Samahan ng Maralitang Nagkakaisa sa Dumpsite ng Catmon (SMNDC) Malabon.

"These efforts resulted to significant gains in the efficient and effective implementation of the whole-of-nation approach against insurgency," Danao said.

The ceremonial event was witnessed by the NCRPO Command Group; Quad Staff; Force Commander of RMFB, and Staff, JTF-NCR Commander BGen. Marceliano Teofilo and staff on March 29, 2021 held at the Hinirang Multipurpose Hall, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.

Immediately thereafter, the surrenderers turned-over firearms, two units of .45 caliber pistol with 25 live ammunitions and magazine, to the authorities.

This was followed by the ceremonial burning of flag, which signifies their sincerity to the government, release of doves which symbolizes peace, hope, and freedom and lighting of candles to light the darkness of life of the surrenderees and their families to begin a new life.

The personalities also recited their Declaration of Solidarity for Condemnation and National Call for Outrage to coincide with the Nationwide Simultaneous Activities of NTF ELCAC via zoom.

Meanwhile, at least 244 leaders and members of the Sandigan ng Maralitang Nagkakaisa (SAMANA), a group of illegal settlers occupying a property of the National Housing Authority (NHA) voluntary took their pledge to renounce from their membership in KADAMAY and to abandon the leftist ideology pledging allegiance to the government on March 28, 2021.

Accordingly, the group was organized by KADAMAY to occupy properties of the National Housing Authority, which were undergoing land development under a joint venture agreement with Ayala Land, contrary to law.

Consequently, the joint RCSP Teams from the 11th CMO and QCPD, NCRPO in close coordination with Barangay Task Force ELCAC, through peaceful engagement conducted reorientation among them.

This prompted the 244 leaders and members of SAMANA to renounce their membership in KADAMAY and take their oath of allegiance back to the folds of the government.

Their oath, signing of a manifesto and documentation were conducted house to house with the presence of the Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Barangay Task Force ELCAC Members headed by their Barangay Captain and the Core Leaders of SAMANA and officer from RCADD; RMFB; RID, NCRPO; DCADD, QCPD, PS 5, QCPD and 11th CMO Battalion, PA.

Likewise, food packs; health kits, cash assistance and IEC materials pertaining to ELCAC/terrorism; anti-criminality; illegal drugs and COVID-19 vaccination were also distributed with the support of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The ceremony was conducted by group composed of around 10 persons with strict adherence to the existing health and safety protocol in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Danao recognized the indispensable share of other government units such as the JTF-NCR, PCSO, NHA, DSWD, DOLE, TESDA, DILG, LGU of QC and other NGOs for their unwavering support in promoting further aid for the SAMANA group in line with the 12 cluster approach of NTF-ELCAC to provide them with better opportunities and help them prepare for a new life in their soon to be relocation areas.

Moreover, three wheelchairs were also donated to person with disability (PWDs) including two children of a SAMANA member and parent of one of the leaders of SMNDC.

"This successful endeavor was a result of concerted effort among different government agencies. I am honored and elated to acknowledge their effort and indispensable share in the voluntary surrender of 13 red area personalities; 5 core leaders/officers of SAMANA; 1 SMNDC and the reorientation of the 244 members of SAMANA who renounced their membership in KADAMAY and took their oath of allegiance back to the government," The NCRPO chief said.

"This apparently reflects that we are indeed making progress in our fight against leftist ideology. I am sincerely determined to invigorate our effort further and achieve greater heights in this undertaking to ultimately put an end to this decades of chaos and unnecessary violence,” he added.

"Magtulungan po tayo at ituluy tuloy lang natin an gating mga naumpisahan kasama ang iba’t ibang ahensya mapapribado at publiko para mapagtagumpayanan natin ang ang maayos, tahimik at progresibong bansa,” Danao further said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071229