LEAVING THE MOVEMENT. At least 93 former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army take their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony in Alangalang, Leyte, on Thursday (Jan. 19, 2023). Most of them have supported the movement for more than a decade. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)
ALANGALANG, Leyte – At least 93 former staunch supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) formally pledged their allegiance to the government after decades of supporting the armed rebellion.
During a ceremony on Thursday, residents from Barangays Langit, Salvacion, Tabangohay and San Antonio, who belonged the Alangalang Seksyon Komite, have declared their withdrawal of support to the communist group and denounced the movement.
They have joined the Eastern Visayas peacebuilders development federation, a group of former rebels.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the move of this group is a huge loss to the rebels since they are the source of funds.
“Aside from supporting the CPP-NPA financially, they were also used to generate funds and participate in anti-government demonstrations. They realized that they were exploited to promote the CPP-NPA ideology," Vestuir said.
Vestuir said these members paid monthly dues, a percentage of which went to the CPP-NPA regional white area committee leadership for their operational expenses and support to families of regular NPA members.
“While the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran are generally peaceful, we have to sustain our efforts to totally eradicate the connections of the CPP-NPA from their former affiliated mass organizations. We must free our people from their influence and exploitation and put a stop to their propaganda and fund generation scheme,” Vestuir added.
Serapeon Jongco, 41, who was instrumental in forming the CPP-linked farmers’ group Alangalang Seksyon Komite said the CPP-NPA used to collect PHP10,000 monthly from this town alone.
“Recently, I noticed that our support to the NPA is becoming senseless and without direction. It’s a big regret that I was an instrument by rebels for 20 years to sustain their armed struggle,” said Jongco who supported the NPA since 2002.
He was a senior industrial engineering student in Tacloban City when he decided to support the armed struggle. He admitted going to combat training with NPA in Basey, Samar.
Mayor Lovely Yu, in a separate statement, said former NPA supporters will be prioritized in the provision of livelihood assistance, skills training and cash-for-work programs.
“These four villages will be prioritized in the implementation of infrastructure projects. We urge you to unite with the government to achieve development in our communities,” Yu added.
For his part, Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said the top priority is to ensure that the road leading to these communities is improved to facilitate the delivery of basic services.
“In the NPA, all you heard are promises. In the government, we are here to listen and serve you,” Petilla told the former ASK members.
Their withdrawal of support from rebels was the result of the whole-of-nation approach involving various national government agencies and local government units. (PNA)
