The Sangguniang Bayan of Toboso in Negros Occidental unanimously declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) persona non grata (unwelcome) within the municipality’s territorial jurisdiction during its regular session Tuesday morning, April 28.
The resolution urged all Toboso barangays to support the declaration and strengthen programs that promote peace, unity, and development.
The Municipality of Toboso fully supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies in their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security, the resolution said.
The resolution said an armed encounter transpired between the AFP and the NPA in Sitio Plaringding, Barangay Salamanca, on April 19, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals identified as alleged members of the New People’s Army.
This incident consequently caused fear and anxiety among residents and led to the disruption of normal socio-economic activities within the affected community, it said.
The resolution said the Municipality of Toboso remains committed to promoting peace, order, public safety, and the general welfare of its constituents.
The CPP-NPA-NDF, referred to by government authorities as Communist Terrorist Groups, have been associated with acts of violence and armed insurgency throughout the country, it said.
The presence and activities of these groups have historically resulted in violence, loss of lives, destruction of property, and the disruption of local development efforts, the resolution added.
The Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) recommended the adoption of measures expressing the municipality’s strong condemnation of insurgency-related violence and its support for national security efforts.
This declaration aligns with the efforts of the national government, including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), in promoting sustainable peace and development, the SB said.
Copies of the resolution will be furnished to the Office of the President, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Negros Occidental Provincial Government, the AFP, and the PNP.
Meanwhile, officials of Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, said they have no record, notice, or request for any research, community immersion, or similar activities allegedly conducted by any group within the barangay, the Army’s Kalinaw News reported.
Militant groups have claimed that some of those killed in Toboso on April 19 were conducting research ad were non-combatants.*
[sibwp_form id=1]