Eighteen supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) took their oath of allegiance to the government after they decided to abandon the terrorist organization in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on 8 August.

A symbolic burning of a CPP-NPA flag marked the oathtaking facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) with a former rebel, yunit militia, local police, barangay officials, clergy, media and 180 local residents as witnesses.

A lecture on atrocities committed by the terrorist group and distribution of handbills on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) highlighting the benefits of a rebel who wants to surrender was also conducted.

Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, Commanding Officer of 62IB, said that they are expecting a massive surrender in their area of operation following the extensive information dissemination efforts of the unit focusing on the deceptive tactics and atrocities of the CPP-NPA.

“We are calling on the remaining supporters and active members of the CPP-NPA terrorists to lay down their arms and abandon the senseless and failed armed struggle and return to the folds of the government. Avail of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program for you to start a new and peaceful life together with your family,” Dacoscos said.