CPP-NPA loses members, supporters

Two members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) based in Nueva Ecija surrendered to the Philippine National Police while 50 Anakpawis partylist members withdrew support for the rebel group.

Police Regional Office 3 chief Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia said the surrender of the two CTG members was made possible by the efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

He said continuous Local Peace Engagement activities of the Philippine National Police and other RTF ELCAC members, such as information dissemination, made CTG members aware of government programs to change their lives.

The CTG is part of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) faction that operate in San Jose City.

Sermonia said the two ex-rebels can avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and will be provided with a package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing and legal assistance.

Meanwhile, 50 Anakpawis members led by Danilo Bacnis withdrew their support from the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front and surrendered their firearms.

“I am once again urging those who are still actively fighting the government to lay down their arms and embrace other peaceful means to attain their sought-after changes. Our government has several programs to retool you so that you could all become even more productive members of our society,” Sermonia said.

In Davao City, the head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) lauded 380 residents of a hinterland village in Davao City for permanently cutting off ties with the NPA.

“It was the right decision since the NPA has been fighting for a losing cause,” NAPC Secretary Noel Felongco said.

Of the 380 residents who were NPA supporters or members from the now insurgency-free Barangay Paquibato, 174 belonged to the Militia ng Bayan group.

NAPC credited the Davao City government under Mayor Sara Duterte, Philippine Army and Davao police for making the surrender possible.

The ex-rebels underwent a three-day Peace Building Seminar, that also tackled programs and services for their reintegration to society.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BOC THREE plastic packs of kush marijuana with an estimated value of P1.1 million were found concealed inside imported coffee packs from California by the Bureau of Customs.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF WORLDBULLETIN THERE have been an increasing number of insurgents who have gone back to government fold.