143 ex-CPP-NPA members, supporters in CL surrender
By Justine Rich Talusan
Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 commander Lt. Col. Jay Dimaandal leads the oath of allegiance to the government of the surrenderers.
A TOTAL of 143 mass base supporters and former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army yesterday surrendered and took their oath of allegiance to the government at the Police Regional Office 3 Makatao Activity Center in Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando in Pampanga.
According to PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 and other police units led by force commander Lt. Col. Jay Dimaandal conducted a special intelligence operation that resulted in the withdrawal of support of the mass base supporters and former members of the communist terror group.
Dimaandal said the operating units also held a dialogue with mass base members and told them the government’s program in ending local terrorism.
Some of the highlights of the activity were the distribution of sacks of rice from Gapan City Mayor Joy Pascual, giving testimonies of former members, and pledge of support to the government.
Present during the event were Col. Jacob Macabali, executive officer of Area Police Command-Northern Luzon; Niño Anthony Balagtas, regional director NICA 3; Jay Timbreza, CESO V asst. regional director DILG 3; Eunice Shine Meneses, social welfare officer II of DSWD Field Office III; Franz Liam Arabia, spokesperson of KKDAT/ ambassador National Youth Commission for NTF-ELCAC Affairs; Lucia David, GT Skilltech School of Trade and Ptr. Jeremiah R. Abay, RMFB3, KASIMBAYANAN focal person.
“The continuous joint efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and its persistent campaign against terrorism resulted in the voluntary withdrawal of support from the communist groups. RTF-ELCAC-3 would continue the whole-of-nation approach against communist rebels to achieve peace and national unity,” Hidalgo said.
