20 former rebels in Cam Norte take oath of allegiance to the government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): 20 former rebels in Cam Norte take oath of allegiance to the government (By Rosalita B. Manlangit)

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 6 (PIA) - Twenty (20) Former Rebels (FRs) or Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members took their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet here, March 29.

The activity was highlighted with the presentation of FRs and firearms, signing of manifesto, burning of effigy and NPA flags, releasing of doves and waving of Philippine flaglets along with the distribution of cash assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Former Rebels (FRs) surrendering their firearms to the government officials in Camarines Norte coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF, Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet, Camarines Norte, March 29. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

The oath of allegiance was led by Governor Edgardo Tallado, Chairperson, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

Gov. Tallado assured the former rebels of the help from the national government like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the provincial government, among others.

He said that FRs will not regret their decision to return to the government after years of senseless fighting.

PNP Region 5 Regional Director PBGen. Bartolome R. Bustamante said that the activity on March 29 was significant because all of the Task Forces-ELCAC nationwide joined the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“This is also significant because of the 20 FRs who took their oath of allegiance following the recent attack of their comrades that resulted to the death of five policemen”, he said.

But he clarified during the press conference that the 20 FRs have earlier signified to surrender before the attack of other CTGs.

Regional Director PBGen. Bartolome R. Bustamante of PNP Region 5 discusses the atrocities brought by CTGs coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF held at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet, Camarines Norte, March 29. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

"The CTGs in Camarines Norte are fewer in numbers now, that is why on the recent attack, they called for augmentation force from Quezon and Camarines Sur," said Bustamante, adding that "the authorities have already identified names and will soon file complaints".

Bustamante also lauded the message of one former rebel “Ka Mimoy”, who did not cover his face while rendering his speech. Ka Mimoy cited all the bad influence and violence brought by his former comrades.

It has been more than five decades or 52 years that the CPP-NPA sowed violence and deceived people especially the youth. This violence resulted to destroy families and cause deaths according to Brigade Commander Col. Jaime A. Abawag Jr., 902nd Brigade, 9ID Philippine Army (PA).

Abawag appealed to the CPP-NPA-NDF to stop violence, contemplate to lay down their arms and realize that their fight for more than 5 decades did not win.

The government is open to help. There are many programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a convergence of national and local government units assistance, to those who surrendered and who will surrender.

The said activity was spearheaded by the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) through Provincial Director PCol. Julius D. Guadamor and also attended by the members of the PTF-ELCAC in Camarines Norte, Chief of Police (COPs), policemen and members of the quad media.

It was followed by the Indignation Rally and Candle Lighting at the Elevated Plaza, Daet and was attended by the municipal and barangay officials and civic groups in the province. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071526