21 Bukidnon villages declare NPA, leftist groups 'persona non grata'

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has claimed that at least 21 barangays in the western part of Bukidnon province, declared the New Peoples Army (NPA) as "persona non grata".

In a statement released Thursday, the 4ID said the 21 barangays from the province's two cities and four municipalities were declared NPA-free by the Area Clearing Validation Board on October 23 in Malaybalay City.

The declaration was supported by barangay resolutions and endorsed by the First Special Forces Battalion, which has jurisdiction over the said areas.

The 21 barangays are in Pangantucan town--New Eden, Concepcion, and Bacusanon; Talakag town--Dominorog, Cosina, Lantud, Miarayon, amd Lirongan; Malaybalay City--Imbayao and Mapayag; Sumilao town--Puntian and Kulasi; Lantapan town--Basac, Kulasihan, Kapitan Juan, and Kaatuan; Valencia City--Bagawbawan, Luruga , San Carlos, and Barobo.

The 4ID said that along with the NPA, "left-leaning organizations" were also included in the persona non grata declaration, although the report did not state the names of these organizations.

Provincial Board Member Gino Armstrong Garcia said the 21 barangays will be prioritized in the provincial government's poverty alleviation programs.

Barangays declared "cleared" of NPA affectation, Garcia said, could avail of the PHP300-million economic development fund from the provincial government through its Provincial Livelihood Office.

Brigadier General Cristobal Zaragoza, 4ID Area Clearing Validation Board chairman,  said the communities have "spoken as one against the deceptions" of the rebel groups.

"They (NPA combatants) are now considered "undesirables" in these barangays. I am encouraging other barangays to show courage and cooperation by uniting as one against the NPAs and their front organizations," the official said. (Press Release/PNA)