CAVINTI, LAGUNA – 211 members and supporters disaffiliated and withdrew their support from the Anakpawis and Communist Terrorist Groups during a ceremony, facilitated by Taytay Municipal Task Force–ELCAC held at Sitio Pyramid, Brgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal today, February 26, 2023.
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 (KMU) 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 (CPP) and recruitment ground for its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). 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.
Recently, the members and supporters of Anakpawis decided to withdraw their support because they felt they were being used for militant actions and indoctrinated to hate the government. They shared their experiences of being deceived by the left-leaning organization. Gratefully, they expressed their appreciation for the government’s continuous awareness campaign that led to their withdrawal of support and membership from the CPP-NPA-NDF sectoral organization.
The Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Cerilo C Balaoro Jr., praised the former Anakpawis members and supporters 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”, he continued.
“The military is fighting this long decade insurgency and the government realized that the security forces cannot solve this insurgency problem alone. If we want a better future for our children, we must do our part and work together to end this insurgency that hinders peace and development in our community.”
The challenge was posed by Hon. Allan Martine De Leon, Taytay Municipal Mayor, as he reiterated the importance of Executive Order No.70 that institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach in ending local communist armed conflict. He expressed assurance that the local government unit of Taytay will continue to provide assistance in addressing issues in the community.
Pillars in attendance and providers of hopeful and inspiring messages were Brigadier General Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., the Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade; LTC Erwin y Comendador (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 80th Infantry Battalion; Hon. Allan Martine De Leon, Taytay Municipal Mayor; Hon. Rene Tapawan, Brgy Chairman, Dolores, Taytay, Rizal; Dir. Ben-hur Baniqued, Provincial Director, TESDA Rizal; and PMaj Joel Custodio, Chief of Police, Taytay MPS.
