20 CPP-NPA supporters in N. Ecija turn their backs on CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2022): 20 CPP-NPA supporters in N. Ecija turn their backs on CPP-NPA (By Zorayda Tecson)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Twenty supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Guimba, Nueva Ecija withdraw their support from the terrorist group and pledge allegiance to the national government on Monday (April 17, 2023). They were members of the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid, an underground mass organization of Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL), under the Kilusan ng Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (KMP). (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – At least 20 sympathizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Nueva Ecija have cut ties with the terrorist group to support the continuing peace and development efforts of the government.

Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3), said in a statement on Tuesday the 20 CPP-NPA supporters were members of the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid, an underground mass organization of Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) under the Kilusan ng Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (KMP).

Hidalgo said the joint police and military forces facilitated the special intelligence operation that resulted in the withdrawal of support of 20 CPP-NPA supporters in Barangay Catimon, Guimba, Nueva Ecija on Monday.

He said a peace rally was also conducted during the occasion.

The government's relentless anti-insurgency campaign, according to Hidalgo, had resulted in the voluntary withdrawal of support from the terrorist group and pledge of allegiance to the national government.

He added that it was the product of the continuous joint efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Hidalgo likewise said the Central Luzon police force and Armed Forces of the Philippines will always welcome with open arms members and supporters of insurgent groups in the country.

“We sincerely encourage our fellow Filipinos who are still active supporters or members of the communist terrorist groups to lay down their arms, return to the government side and most especially, reunite with their families,” he said.

Meanwhile, Col. Richard V. Caballero, provincial director of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, said those CPP-NPA sympathizers who took and signed their oath of allegiance to the government will undergo documentation for proper disposition.

“We recognize the militants’ withdrawal of support to CPP-NPA and we are constant in carrying appropriate interventions to support and influence other insurgents, in order to attain lasting peace and progress in Nueva Ecija province,” Hidalgo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199624