DENOUNCING TERROR. Some of the 20 supporters of the New People's Army in Burauen, Leyte, who surrendered to the Philippine Army, sign a document denouncing the terrorist group on June 28, 2019. They also took an oath that they will no longer support the rebels by any means. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 78IB)
TACLOBAN CITY -- Two more local government units in Leyte Island have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), “persona non-grata” for derailing development efforts in their communities.
Joining the list of areas formally denouncing the communist rebels are the towns of Hindang, Leyte and Sogod, Southern Leyte. These towns issued a resolution during their respective municipal peace and order council meetings on July 11, according to the Philippine Army 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB).
The Army said these two towns and other areas in the southern part of Leyte Island have been closely watched by soldiers as armed rebels attempt to move in closer to Southern Leyte after they were “pressured by military operations” in Leyte province.
“Declaring rebels as persona non-grata signifies the continuing support of our local government units in the endeavors of the Philippine Army towards the sustainment of the stable internal peace and security condition in the area,” Army 78IB commander Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob said in a statement issued Tuesday.
From January to June 2019, at least 13 areas in the Eastern Visayas region, including villages, have denounced the terrorist group through a resolution signed by local chief executives.
In Northern Samar, these towns are San Antonio, San Vicente, and Lope de Vega. Curry village in Lope de Vega and Roxas village in Las Navas town also issued the same declaration.
Leyte province has the most towns that declared the insurgents “persona non-grata”. These are Baybay City, Burauen, Leyte, Inopacan, Hilongos, and Mahaplag.
Other areas that rejected the communist rebels are Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Matuguinao in Samar.
The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
