Words of peace entice E. Samar students to abandon NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2022): Words of peace entice E. Samar students to abandon NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

FAREWELL TO COMMUNISM. The four students in Jipapad, Eastern Samar who surrendered to policemen after joining the New People's Army's Underground Mass Organization. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has welcomed the decision of the students. (Photo courtesy of PNP Region 8)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has welcomed the decision of four New People’s Army (NPA) youth sector leaders in Eastern Samar to abandon the communist ideology after listening to retooled community support program (RCSP) lectures.

PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said on Tuesday this is the result of the PNP’s campaign of regaining the trust, confidence, and support of those indoctrinated by the communist terrorist groups in the far-flung villages.

The police identified the four youth leaders only with their aliases as Heeyon, 15; RG, 17; and Jenny, 17, all in Grade 10; and Lemei, 15, a Grade 7 learner.

These students, who belonged to the NPA’s Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) youth sector, voluntarily submitted themselves to the RCSP team in Jiwaran village, Jipapad town, Eastern Samar on July 10.

UGMOs have been established by the NPA inside open sectoral groups and open alliances for purposes of advancing and supporting the armed atrocities and terrorist activities of the rebel group.

“Our PNP personnel are risking their lives in reaching out to NPA-infested areas to guide and educate the populace. With this, and some of the accomplishment reports from RCSP, I can say that we are winning against insurgency,” Banac said.

RCSP is a program that aims to address the issues identified by the communities themselves through the provision of government projects while ensuring sustainable development and promoting peace.

The students are currently under the supervision and monitoring of the RCSP team in Jiwaran village in Jipapad.

Since they are all minors, the police regional office is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper assistance and counseling.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front (NDF) as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178720