Thursday, July 16, 2020

83 Dumagat tribesmen condemn CPP-NPA atrocities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2020): 83 Dumagat tribesmen condemn CPP-NPA atrocities (By Manny Balbin)



NO TO TERRORISM. A total of 83 Dumagat tribe members have withdrawn their support for the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) during a peace summit held in Malolos City, Bulacan on Thursday (July 16, 2020). Led by their chieftain Lacio dela Rosa, the tribesmen took their oath of allegiance to the government at the Victory Church in Barangay Sumapang Bata. (Photo by Manny Balbin)

At least 83 members of the Dumagat tribe who were former mass base supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Thursday condemned the atrocities of the communist terrorist group and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The Dumagat returnees, who came from Sitio Inoman, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray town, Bulacan province, formally withdrew their support from the “Ganap na Samahang Baseng Masa” and pledged their loyalty to the government.


Led by their chieftain Lacio dela Rosa, the tribesmen took their oath of allegiance to the government during a peace summit held at the Victory Church in Barangay Sumapang Bata here.

This development was made possible by the joint efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Present in the event were Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID); Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., 7ID commander; Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon); Brig. Gen. Rolando Asuncion (retired), deputy director of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 3; Lt. Col. Rimrad Feraer, commander of the 80th Infantry Battalion; Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando; and Darwin David, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Josephine de Mesa, barangay chair of San Lorenzo in Norzagaray, said she accompanied the 83 Dumagat returnees to the military authorities to denounce their support for the “Ganap na Samahang Baseng Masa”.

“The Dumagats belong to the 50 families living in Sitio Inuman, which is eight hours walk to Barangay San Lorenzo. Sa layo nila sa kabihasnan kaya madali silang naniniwala sa mga pangako ng makakaliwang grupo (Because they are too far from civilization, they easily believe the promises of the leftist group)," de Mesa said.

Through the local peace engagement activities of the Philippine Army, she said the Dumagats became aware of government programs, as well as the opportunities to change their lives and correct the mistakes they have committed due to the deception of the communist armed group.

Asuncion said the Dumagat returnees would be eligible for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

"They will be provided with a holistic package of benefits that they can avail of, such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and legal assistance," he said.

Governor Fernando, on the other hand, said the provincial government supports the returnees’ renunciation of their support for the leftist group for long-lasting peace.

"I will help and support you sa abot ng aking makakaya (to the best of my ability),” he said.

Col. Lawrence Cajipe, director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, meanwhile, said the police, together with the AFP and the RTF-ELCAC, would remain committed to undertaking efforts to secure, ensure, and implement law and order – all for the well-being of the Filipinos and the future generations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109209

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.