Kalinaw News: 36 individuals composed of ex-rebels and exploited populace ink, burn CPP-NPA flag and inked their strong rejection of CTGs in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 19, 2021): 36 individuals composed of ex-rebels and exploited populace ink, burn CPP-NPA flag and inked their strong rejection of CTGs in Aurora



BALER, Aurora-As proof of their sincerity to turn their back on the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, some 36 individuals composed of ex-rebels and exploited local populace in Barangay Wenceslao in the town of Maria Aurora, Aurora burned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) flag and inked their strong rejection of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala’ Battalion, Philippine Army said that the activity was facilitated by the government troops led by national intelligence coordinating agency (NICA) region 3, regional director Maria Luisa F. De Guzman, 91st IB under the supervision of Colonel Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte-Commander of 703rd Agila Brigade; 7th Civil Military Operation Battalion led by Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez; PRO3; Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO); Maria Aurora Municipal Police Station; regional intelligence unit (RIU) region 3; 307th Community Defense Center, 3rd Regional Community Defense Group led by Major Alfadzhar M. Salim facilitated the withdrawal of support and surrender of the said individuals at covered court of Barangay Wenceslao, Maria Aurora on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Said personalities also pledged their support to the government and burned the NPA flag as proof of their willingness to return to the fold of the law.

Rubio said the government is not closing the door on the remaining remnants of the CPP-NPA to surrender and live peacefully.

He added that the surrender was a result of the intensified campaign initiated by the provincial government of Aurora down to barangays in ending local communist armed conflict in close coordination with PNP, AFP counterparts, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) retired Brigadier General Abraham Claro M. Casis, Provincial Directors and representatives of non-government agencies (NGAs) such as DILG, TESDA, DOLE, DTI, DSWD, DA, CDA and local officials.

The concerned agencies also facilitated the awarding of livelihood assistance and the 91st IB in coordination with DOLE will facilitate its registration as peoples organization (PO).

On the other hand, NICA regional director de Guzman express her gratitude to the residence of Barangay Wenceslao for their actions lambasting the terrorist organization and for revealing the truth to the public.

She also encouraged the remaining dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and surrender, to live a secure and peaceful life as productive members of society.

“Our government will assure that you will receive all necessary support and assistance. Our government agencies are here in front of you to help you for your reintegration as you begin a new chapter on your lives away from fear and lawlessness. And this we commit ourselves to do,” de Guzman said.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Zenaida Castaneda said that the government continues to carry out programs that will provide people with source of income, financial assistance, livelihood opportunities among others.

“It will depend upon on what kind of suitable agricultural assistance that will be helpful to the group. We are giving free planting materials, vegetable seeds and other agricultural assistance to uplift the lives not only of the farmers but also of the less fortunate communities as part of Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC). And we are ready to help them to change their lives,” Castaneda said.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Aurora Provincial Director Aldrin Veneracion said the national government is here to help people affected by calamities including those former rebels who are now in one with the government.

He cited the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program as one of the initiatives of the government and DTI that aims to help micro entrepreneurs and individuals who were affected by local armed conflicts.

“Our program gives a fast and easy source of initial capital in the form of livelihood kits such as the food processing package, stores, among others to help micro-entrepreneurs recover from the effects of identified individuals like former rebels start a new business opportunity to uplift their lives,” Veneracion said.

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