About 250 residents of Silay City gathered at the Eustaquio Lopez covered court on Saturday, August 28, to condemn the atrocities and deceptions of the New People’s Army (NPA) and its allies.
The activity started with an information drive to create awareness among the residents of the deception and recruitment strategies of the rebel group, a press release from the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion said Sunday, August 29.
The participants were mostly members of the Hacienda Culahao C Farmer Workers Association and Hacienda Nenita Farmer Workers Association, who then took their oath of allegiance to the government
The residents also burned the NPA flag to withdraw their support to the rebel group.
They also called the rebels to stop the harassment and extortion activities against the civilians and the recruitment of the minors to the movement.
Former rebel “Ka Joross” also shared his “miserable” experiences when he was with the armed group, the press release said.
The army also distributed leaflets containing information about the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to encourage the rebels to return to the fold of the law.
The activity was also attended by Silay City Mayor Andrew Golez, Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79th IB, and other officials.*