180 former rebels from Conner renounce CPP-NPA

Conner, Apayao – A total of 180 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Militia ng Bayan and supporters who have been in the movement for at least three decades officially renounce their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on July 19 in a ceremony held at the Municipal Gymnasium of Conner.

Captain Rogelio Agustin, Information Officer of the 503rd Infantry Brigade said that to manifest their sincerity, the former rebels took their oath of allegiance to the government during the event that signified their official separation from the CPP-NPA.

He said that most of them were lured to join the underground movement from 1984 to 1996, but decided to go back to the fold of the law, knowing that what they are fighting for is futile and that they were deceived by the CPP-NPA leadership.

“Nagsawa na rin sila at namulat na rin sila sa katotohanan sa mahabang panahon na panlalansi, panlilinlang, at panloloko ng mga Partido komunista sa kanila. Nakita nila na walang patutunguhan ‘yung kanilang ipinaglalaban at wala silang nakita na maganda kundi puro mga pangako, panloloko ‘yung mga ginagawa lang sa kanila,” he said.

Agustin further said that in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development - Apayao, the former rebels were given aid such as family food packs. Additionally, the army will be assessing the 180 to see qualified beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP.

Agustin is calling for the remaining rebels to return to the government and take advantage of the aid and assistance and benefits ECLIP will provide should they be qualified.

The renunciation of support and oath of allegiance was made possible through the concerted efforts of the 50th Infantry Battalion, 503rd Infantry Peace and Justice Brigade, and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Conner Apayao.

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