THE people of barangay Pandanan in Laua-an, Antique have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata.
The declaration came after the Pandanan Barangay Peace and Order Council, led by barangay captain Jerry Bucio, approved Resolution 01, Series of 2019 on September 7 that condemned the terrorist acts committed by the CPP-NPA rebels.
"The village is gaining socio-economic advancement but has been affected due to the series of atrocities perpetrated communist-terrorist group," the resolution noted.
"In order to ensure the comprehensive orchestration of related peace efforts and initiatives in the multi-sector campaign against insurgency, the village council is giving its support to the unified condemnation of the CPP-NPA terrorist who are responsible for the series of atrocities in the barangay that victimize not only security forces but also private properties and most of all defenseless civilians," it added.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion commanding officer, lauded the people of Pandanan in Laua-an for making the declaration.
"I am commending the village officials and its people for standing against the communist-terrorists," he said.
Pandanan is the first barangay in the province of Antique to declare the CPP-NPA persona non grata.
Batara also encouraged other barangays and municipalities in Antique to take a bold step against CPP-NPA rebels to prevent the group from entering and casting more threats and violence in their communities.
In August 24, Barangay Binulosan Grande in Calinog, Iloilo, which is 61st IB Community Support Program village, also passed the same resolution, declaring CPP-NPA terrorist persona non grata. (PR)