STA. CRUZ, ILOCOS SUR. After experiencing different encounters and reported presence of the elements of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), particularly members of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla – South Ilocos Sur (KLG SIS), the officials and people of the municipality of Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur has had enough of the group and expressed their condemnation of the CPP-NPA thru an Indignation Rally held in Brgy Ayusan, Sta Lucia Ilocos Sur last 27 August 2020. More than 200 residents of the municipality participated and expressed their dismay of the CTGs’ continued deception and disrespect to the peace loving communities of Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur.
The said rally was orchestrated by the Local Government of the said municipality headed by Hon Joseph S Valdez, Municipal Mayor and the Chairman of the Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC). It was attended by the Sangguniang Bayan members headed by Vice Mayor Hon Eduardo Toquero, Brgy Chairperson together with their councilors headed by ABC President Hon Sotelo Avila, Ms Imelda Ordoño, the MLGOO; Sangguniang Kabataan Federation/Youth For Peace Movement of Sta Lucia Chapter and also participated in by troops from the Philippine Army and PNP.
It can be recalled that the municipality of Sta Lucia had various experiences with the continued presence and exploitation of the CTGs in Sta Lucia. Last February 13, 2020, three (3) CTG leaders were killed in an encounter with the government forces in Brgy Namatican. This was followed by another encounter in Brgy Suagayan last August 8, 2020 wherein five (5) CTG members were killed. This was further followed with the arrest of two (2) CTG top ranking leaders last 14 August 2020 in Brgy Damacuag. Aside from the casualties incurred by the CTGs as well as from the government forces, one (1) civilian was also killed by the CTGs. But apart from these, these events brought social and psychological trauma to the communities and the people as a whole and further degrade the image of the municipality.
With these, the officials and residents took the initiative to undertake the rally to once and for all put an end to the continued maneuverings of the communists and its armed elements in their localities. The rally kick-off at around 9 o’clock in the morning wherein all of the participants marched off carrying their placards saying “PUMANAW KAYO NGA NPA DITOY STA LUCIA” and a tarpaulin of “Persona Non Grata of the NPA in the Ilocos Sur” in front the Municipal Hall as the assembly area going to the venue at Brgy Ayusan.
Vice Mayor Toquero welcomed the participants and remarked with intense resentment to the NPA terrorists which curtailed the life of his nephew who died last August 8, 2020 encounter. During the program, one of the Former Rebel, who was once deceived by the wrong ideology of NPA Bandits, shared his experiences on how they lied and exploited the people by using various but twisted issues in the barangay. He also disclosed their hardships inside the organization and realized that it is not worth sacrificing their lives and times away from their families.
Further, Hon Sotero Avila, the Brgy Chairman of Suagayan and also the ABC President of Sta Lucia, denounced the continued visitation of CNTs in their communities and vehemently declared them as Persona non Grata in the municipality. Also, Hon Napoleon Cortez, Brgy Chairman of Namatican said that, “We, the Brgy Chairpersons of Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur, are united to fight our enemy to attain peace and development in our town”. Moreover, Mr Jayson Ordanza, a representative of the Youth sector of Sta Lucia, encouraged his fellow youth to be vigilant on their surroundings, and if ever they saw unfamiliar persons in their barangays, they should not hesitate or be afraid to report it either to the Army or PNP Troops.
The activity was highlighted with the burning of Terrorist flag and effigies of Joma Sison, as well as the other faces of NPA Bandits operating in the province of Ilocos Sur . This was spearheaded by Mayor Valdez, Vice Mayor Toquero, PPO Director PCol Ronald Tagao, Hon Avila, and Ms Imelda Ordoño, which basically signifies their regrets, hatred and withdrawal of support to the Communist Terrorist Group. Finally, the releasing of white doves and simultaneously exploding of red balloons followed as it signifies that the municipality is not in favor of the presence of the CPP-NPA Terrorist in the municipality and they are one and united in the pursuit of Peace and Development in the area.
“Let there be Peace in Sta Lucia and let it begin with us!” Hon Valdez said. He further added that, “I am encouraging all the Brgy Chairpersons and Councils to unite with the Army and PNP Troops for the sake and peace of our town.”
Maj Rogelio A. Dumbrigue (OS) PA, Civil-Military Operations Officer of 702nd (DEFENDER) Brigade stated that, “We need the cooperation of the people of Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur in order to become peaceful and insurgency free. We must help our brothers and sisters who are still on the other side to surrender and come back to the folds of the government.”
Lt. Col. Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 81IB reiterated that,
“Your Army, specifically the 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion, are very delighted to the people of Sta Lucia in uniting to condemn the CPP-NPA Terrorist in their beloved municiplaity.” He further added, “Rest assured that your Army and PNP will continue to serve and provide support to the communities in achieving and maintaining peace and development in the province of Ilocos Sur.”
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/officials-and-residents-of-sta-lucia-ilocos-sur-condemn-the-cpp-npa-terrorist-group-thru-an-indignation-rally/
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