ABOUT 250 residents of Silay City held a rally condemning the atrocities done by the New People's Army (NPA).

The residents gathered at the Eustaquio Lopez Covered Court on Saturday, August 28, 2021, through the joint efforts of the Local Government Unit of Silay City.

The activity commenced with an information drive aimed to give awareness to the residents regarding insurgency, deception and recruitment strategies of the rebels and to address the issues and concerns of the residents.

Former rebel "Ka Joross" also shared his testimony about his worst and miserable experiences when he was still in the armed group and how his life changed after he surrendered.

Meanwhile, participants of the activity, mostly members of Hacienda Culahao Farmer Workers Association (Hacufwa) and Hacienda Nenita Farmer Workers Association (Hanfawa) took their oath of allegiance officiated by Barangay Captain Meriam Gallego.

This was followed by the burning of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA flag to show their withdrawal of support to the terrorist organization, as they hoisted banners and placards calling for an end to terrorist activities, extortion, harassment and deception to civilians, as well as recruitment of minors by the communist NPA terrorists (CNTs).

Simultaneous with the activity was the distribution of educational leaflets containing information about the benefits of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) to encourage members of CNTs to return to the folds of the law.

Said activity was a product of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 32nd Civil Military Operation and 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, commanding officer of the 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion lauded the efforts of the community in condemning the rebels and their allies.

"This clearly shows that the peace-loving residents of E. Lopez can no longer endure the suffering they’ve been experiencing. The pledge to withdraw their support from the armed group is already a bold step towards ending the insurgency. Let us continually work together to finally put an end to the decades-long ruthlessness of the communist terrorist group.

"As your partner in this endeavor, your Philippine Army will constantly collaborate with the PNP (Philippine National Police) counterparts, the local government unit and other agencies to help every community in Northern Negros to be resilient against the threats being brought by these peace spoilers, let us build progressive and peaceful communities that are inhospitable to the presence of any threat group,” Javines added.