A TOTAL of 63 former mass supporters from Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia denounced the violence and alleged systematic exploitations committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its allies and declared the rebels "persona non grata."
The residents also vowed full allegiance to the government in a simple ceremony held at the Murcia covered court in Barangay Zone II, Murcia on September 21.
The mass condemnation of the communist-terrorist group (CTG) was made through the whole-of-nation approach led by the Army's 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, in collaboration with the local government unit of Murcia and the Barangay Council of Sta. Rosa led by Barangay Captain Larry Alvarez.
The activity included the recitation of Oath of Allegiance, followed by the ceremonial signing of barangay resolution declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata.
Also highlighted during the activity was the raising of banners and placards with messages calling on the communist insurgents "to stop terrorism in their communities" and the burning of CPP-NPA flag that symbolizes their total denouncement of this terrorist organization.
Alvarez also expressed his full support and cooperation to guard his community from the influence of the CTG.
Moreover, troops of 79IB distributed awareness leaflets on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and five kilos of rice for each participant.
"This is a clear manifestation that the peace-loving residents of Barangay Sta. Rosa are already fed up by the deceptions, threat to life and properties, and extortions perpetrated by the CTGs. The pledge to withdraw their support from the armed group is already a bold step towards ending insurgency and securing lasting peace and sustainable development in their community. I would like to invite other barangays to also do the same, to stop supporting the armed group and to finally put an end to the decades-long ruthlessness of the communist terrorists," Alvaran said.