AT LEAST seven villages in Bukidnon have passed a resolution declaring communist rebels and legal organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) "persona non grata", Wednesday, February 20, the military said.
In a statement, the army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) said local leaders of Barangays Caburacanan, St. Peter, Silae and Indalasa of Malaybalay City, and Barangays Canangaan, Freedom and Dalacutan of Cabanglasan town adopted a resolution declaring the CPP-NPA and its legal fronts "unwelcome" to their community.
Among the legal organizations declared unwelcome are Katribu, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Tamaraw, Gabriela and League of the Filipino Students (LFS), among others.
The military claimed village officials and tribal leaders have strengthen their support to the government by doing such move.
According to the surveys of the army's Community Support Program (SCP) teams, the declaration was due to high numbers of surrenders, atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the NPA and violations of the International Humanitarian Law.
"The declaration of the barangays imply that they want peace and development in their area. Knowing the true identity of the NPA and realizing the effect of their presence in the community that they won't help in any development but a hindrance to the government in delivering services," the military said.
"It was a clear manifestation that the NPA don't get any support from these places and they want to end the terrorism for their families and community," they added.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illanal, 8IB commander, said the military lauded the decision of the local officials.
"I am hoping that time will come wherein all of the stakeholders, local government units and government agencies will work hand in hand to address the insurgency problem in our communities," Illana said.
"To the CPP-NPA terrorists who are still in the mountain ranges of Bukidnon come down and yield to your army," he added.