200 Reds' front orgs members in Bulacan vow allegiance to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30. 2021): 200 Reds' front orgs members in Bulacan vow allegiance to gov't (By Manny Balbin)

NEW LIFE. Officials of the provincial government of Bulacan and law enforcement agencies lead the withdrawal of support of some 200 members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) and Bayan Muna from the communist movement in a ceremony in Barangay Poblacion 1, San Jose del Monte City on Friday (April 30, 2021). The former members of Kadamay and Bayan Muna in the city are now eligible for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for rebel returnees. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan PPO)

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – Around 200 former members of communist-front organizations returned to the government fold in San Jose del Monte City, this province Friday.

In a report, Police Lt. Col. Fitz Macariola, acting commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Central Luzon (RMFB-3), said the ceremony was held at the covered court of Barangay Poblacion 1, where the former members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) and Bayan Muna declared their withdrawal of support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-People's New Army (CPP-NPA).

"These SOFs (sectoral front organizations) are mainly being utilized by the CTG (communist terrorist group) as their source of manpower in the conduct of street rallies and demonstrations or mass mobilizations against the government," Macariola said.

He added that the persistent campaign on anti-terrorism as among the joint efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), RMFB 3, and the local police resulted in the voluntary mass denouncement of Kadamay and Bayan Muna returnees in the said city.

The continuous information dissemination, he said, made these former SOF members aware of the government programs and the opportunity to change their lives and correct the mistakes they have committed due to deception.

The former members of Kadamay and Bayan Muna in San Jose del Monte City are now eligible for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for rebel returnees.

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

Through the "Rektang Bayanihan" Program of the Police Regional Office 3, relief packs consisting of rice and grocery items were given to the former Bayan Muna and Kadamay members.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138639