RETURN TO GOV'T FOLD. Nine supporters of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) vow loyalty to the government in a ceremony held at a barangay hall in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province on Monday (March 9, 2020). Col. Andrew Costelo, commander of the Army's 703rd Infantry Brigade, expressed appreciation for the courage showed by the former rebel supporters. (Photo by Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora — Nine supporters of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have vowed loyalty to the government in a ceremony held at the barangay hall of Barangay Decoliat, Maria Aurora, this province on Monday.
Col. Andrew Costelo, commander of 703rd Infantry (AGILA) Brigade, said KLG supporters’ renunciation of support to the terrorist group was a result of the persistence of the 91st Infantry Battalion in implementing the provisions of Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte to end communist rebellion in the country.
“They realized the exploitation they experienced under KLG Sierra Madre which led to their formal withdrawal of support. They now seek the custody and care of government agencies as they embark on a new lease to life,” Costelo said.
He expressed appreciation for the courage showed by the KLG Sierra Madre supporters.
“It is not an easy way out since the communist terrorists will not allow their supporters to turn their back on them for it is only through extortion that they survive. It is noteworthy to mention that finally after years of abuse, the KLG Sierra Madre supporters changed their heart and found fortitude to return to their family and to the community,” he said.
Major General Lenard Agustin, commander of 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, also expressed his full support to those who returned to the mainstream society.
“The government is doing more than its best to ensure the safety of former government enemy supporters,” he said.
Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commanding officer of 91st IB, said the move is part of the implementation of the government's Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
