81 supporters withdraw allegiance from NPA

Some 81 members of an underground mass organization withdrew their support from the Communist terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA), and have pledged allegiance to the government in an interagency dialogue held in Sultan Kudarat over the weekend.

The dialogue was initiated by the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc and the local government of Bagumbayan.

The event was held ahead of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the NPA on March 29.

Armed Forces of the PhilippinesWestern Mindanao Command (AFPWestMinCom) Commander Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., said the withdrawal of support was attributed to the sustained conduct of focused military, intelligence, and civil-military operations of Joint Task Force Central and their reintegration efforts and peace and development programs in collaboration with local governments.

Also present were members of the Manobo tribe, who previously supported the Guerilla Front 73.

The dialogue was conducted in Barangay Kabulanan, Sultan Kudarat at 9 a.m. yesterday.

Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said on the former supporters were based in the different sitios of Barangay Kabulanan.

Meanwhile, the area commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade (401st IB) Col. Andres Centino made a call on Monday to NPA terrorists to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the government.

“Once again, I appeal to the rebels to come down peacefully and avail the good opportunity that is being offered by the government – the livelihood, peace and development program,” stressed Centino. The 401st IB is based in Camp Datu Makapandong in Awa New Leyte, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“It’s high time to put an end to their (NPA) futile struggle, come down and embrace a new way of productive life with your family,” Centino said.