About 210 villagers in Calatrava and Toboso, Negros Occidental, strongly denounced the violence and atrocities committed by the communist terrorist group (CTG) during peace rallies on Thursday and Friday, March 25-26, a press release from the Army said.
The activity commenced with a film-showing and information drive aimed to give awareness to the residents regarding insurgency, deception and recruitment strategies of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTGs) and to address the issues and concerns of the residents, its said.
Former rebel “Ka Joross” also shared his testimony about his worst and miserable experiences when he was still in the armed group and how the government helped him after he surrendered.
Participants of the activity, mostly youth and parents, led by Brgy Captain Dominador Jubahib of Brgy Cambayobo, Calatrava, and Brgy Captain Eulogio Julom of Brgy Bandila, Toboso, who took their oaths of commitment to reject the CPP-NPA in their communities.
This was followed by the burning of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) flag that symbolizes their total denouncement of the terrorist organization as they hoisted banners and placards calling for an end to the “terrorist” activities, extortion, harassments and deception to civilians, as well as recruitment of minors by the CTGs, the press release said.
Simultaneous with the activity was the distribution of educational leaflets that contain information about the benefits of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Progran (E-CLIP) to encourage members of the CTGs to return to the folds of the law.
Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, 79th IB commanding officer said, “I urge everyone not to get swayed by the deceptive communist propaganda and help us counter their activities. Armed struggle is not the key, but a big hindrance to attaining peace and development.”
“As your partner in this endeavor, the Masaligan troopers will continue to protect the public, especially the youth from any form of terrorist activities. Help us in encouraging our deceived and misled brothers and sisters to end their fake and senseless armed struggle,” he added.*