Former rebels who surrendered to authorities recall their experiences when they joined the New People’s Army as the National Capital Region Police Office present the firearms that the former insurgents turned over when they waved the white flag. | Photographs by Al Padilla for the daily tribune @tribunephl_al

Former rebels withdraw NPA allegiance, says NCRPO

An Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program Orientation was initiated to provide them with sufficient information regarding the community-based capacity-building program of the government.

Published on:

24 Nov 2022, 20:57

The National Capital Region Police Office disclosed on Thursday that a total of 37 members took an oath to withdraw of allegiance against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front.

NCRPO chief P/Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo spearheaded the oath and withdrawal of allegiance as part of efforts of government units to support EO 70 End Local Communist Armed Conflict continue its endeavor to end insurgency in the country and attain sustainable peace which held at NCRPO Hinirang Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday.

He said the former insurgents voluntarily took their pledge to renounce their membership and to abandon the leftist ideology pledging allegiance to the government.

They also shared their stories and experiences as living proof of how CPP-NPA-NDF through their legal fronts are recruiting and inculcating leftist ideologies and ruining the lives of Filipinos, especially the youths.

After their oath, the signing of a manifesto and documentation followed while food packs, and health kits were also distributed to them.

An Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program Orientation was initiated to provide them with sufficient information regarding the community-based capacity-building program of the government which aims to improve the socio-economic status of the former rebels.

Estomo believes that NTF ELCAC has reached more Filipinos who long for genuine and lasting peace.

"I believe that with our hard work and cooperation, we will encourage more members of CTG to renew their lives and enjoy real peace and tranquility with their families that they abandoned when they were blinded and deceived by the sweet words of leftists," Estomo said.

He also recognized the indispensable share of other government units such as the JTF-NCR, DSWD, DoLE, TESDA, DILG, PCSO, LGU of QC and other agencies and NGOs for their unwavering support to the endeavors of the NCRPO of welcoming rebels through peaceful engagement reorientation among affected areas.

For his part, P/Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, deputy regional director for Operations, said that the return of the former rebels has a great impact on the country and that the sincere project of the government inspires more CPP-NPA-NDF members to do the same.

The NTF ELCAC, created under EO 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to "provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace."