SOME 211 members and supporters withdrew their support from Anakpawis and the New People’s Army during rites facilitated by the Taytay Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict at Sitio Pyramid, Bgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal last Sunday.
According to the former members and supporters of Anakpaws, they decided to sever ties with the CPP-NPA-NDF after they felt they were being used for militant actions and indoctrinated to hate the government.
Anakpawis, a party list group claiming to represent the marginalized sectors of workers, peasants, fisher folks, minorities, urban and rural poor, and an electoral wing of the Kilusang Mayo Uno and the peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, has long been identified by authorities as one of the legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines and recruitment ground for its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines
Meanwhile, 202nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr. praised the “returnees” for their brave decision to discontinue their support for Anakpawis.
“Your disaffiliation and withdrawal of support is an opportunity for all of you to tread your own path away from any deception and manipulation by the communist terrorist groups. I also thank the local government unit of Taytay for making this activity possible and for the continuous support and assistance to its constituents. This occasion reflects the level of cooperation among the security sector, the local government units, and the national government,” Balaoro said.
Included in the ceremony were the burning of the CPP-NPA flags, the mass pledging of allegiance and the signing of a peace covenant.
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