Negros Occ. communities decry CTG atrocities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 29, 2021): Negros Occ. communities decry CTG atrocities (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.) 

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 29 (PIA)— Some 210 villagers in the municipalities of Calatrava and Toboso towns denounced the atrocities of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) during the consecutive peace rallies on March 25-26, a release from the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Batallion said.

According to Civil-Military Operations Officer 1Lt. Dansan Camua, the activity started with a film-showing and information drive aimed to give awareness to the residents regarding insurgency, deception and recruitment strategies of the Communist Terrorist Group and to address the issues and concerns of the residents.

Former rebel "Ka Joross" shared his testimony about his worst and miserable experiences when he was still in the armed group and how the government helped him after he surrendered.

Participants of the activity, mostly youths and parents led by Brgy. Captain Dominador Jubahib of Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava and Brgy Captain Eulogio Julom of Brgy Bandila, Toboso, took their oath of commitment to reject the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in their communities, Camua noted.

This was followed by the burning of the CPP-NPA flag that symbolized their total denouncement of the terrorist organization as they hoisted banners and placards calling for an end to the terrorist activities, extortion, harassments and deceptions to civilians as well as recruitment of minors by the CTGs.

Simultaneous with the activity was the distribution of educational leaflets that contain information about the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Progran (E-CLIP) to encourage members of the CTG to return to the folds of the law.

Lt. Colonel Gerard Alvaran, 79th IB Commanding Officer, urged the participaints not to get swayed by the deceptive communist propaganda and to help counter the rebel’s activities.

“Armed struggle is not the key, but a big hindrance to attaining peace and development," he said.

"As your partner in this endeavor, the Masaligan troopers will continue to protect the public, especially the youth from any form of terrorist activities. Help us in encouraging our deceived and misled brothers and sisters to end their fake and senseless armed struggle. Let us convince them to come down and embrace the path to peace with their loved ones," Alvaran added. (79th IB PA/JSC/LOL/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070849