Whole-of-nation approach in Bukidnon inspires more NPA members to surrender
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon-- The “Magbuliga Kuy” program of the local government unit of Impasugong encouraged at least seven Militia ng Bayan members to surrender and 68 supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to withdraw support to the terrorist group.
They belong to and supporting the Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command.
“Magbuliga Kuy” aims to bring government basic services closer to the people.
Almost 680 locals benefited in the program including the medical and dental services of the Philippine Army.
Moreover, queries and concerns of individuals and barangay residents were also answered by local government office representatives during the conduct of the program at Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong on November 26.
Before the Magbuliga Kuy came on the scene, the Community Support Program Team of the Philippine Army was immersed in the community to gather issues exploited by the NPA to recruit members and supporters. The issues gathered were conveyed to the local government for possible solutions.
Addressing the NPA members and supporters who yielded, Mayor Anthony Uy said, “Thank you to all of you for realizing that you have been deceived, I swear to bring more services to our community and assure you that you will benefit from it.”
He also reiterated his support to Executive Order 70 of the National Government which institutionalizes the Whole of Nation Approach and creates a Task Force to end the local communist armed conflict. He said the municipality of Impasugong will create its own Task Force to oversee and ensure that the basic services of the government will be delivered to the people.
In four days, the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Impasugong has recorded 26 NPA members surrenderers and 68 supporters pulling out support to the CPPNPA-NDF.
Lt.Col. Ronald Illana, commander of 8th Infantry Battalion said, “This trend of many NPA surrenders signifies the disintegration of the CPP-NPANDF and the lack of NPA leadership in our area of responsibility in Bukidnon. We expect more surrenders in the coming weeks and it is a positive scenario whereby a great Yuletide celebration is coming for these former NPA combatants who opted to be reunited with their loved ones.
He also emphasized that the whole-of-nation approach of the government is toppling the local communist terrorist group.”
Meanwhile, the latest surrenders were oriented of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government and are now undertaking a series of interviews before their enrolment to E-CLIP.