Tell it to SunStar: A call to end armed struggle

IN RETROSPECT, the New People's Army (NPA), the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was founded on March 29, 1969 in Barangay Santa Rita, Capas, Tarlac.

Fifty-two years later, nothing had happened other than murder and destruction. I feel terrible about the frustrated and tired Red Warriors who wasted the 52 years they were supposed to spend with their loved ones.

The military could have pulverized these terrorists, especially now that they have the modern defense equipment, but we can see that their preference is always to defeat terrorists without resorting to indiscriminate violence. The government is optimistic and still continues its ceaseless appeal to our Kababayans who are part of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to return to the folds of the law, a path to a sustainable peace.

I am also optimistic that this insurgency problem will come to an end in a peaceful way, considering the huge numbers of CTG members and supporters who are returning to the folds of the law in response to the government's call. The government's development and peace program, which is the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip), is a key factor and it is a good program intended for the rebels who are returning into mainstream society to reunite with their families.

Through the E-Clip, even a number one enemy of the state still has the option of a good life. We are blessed to have a government that is willing to offer peace and take care of the former rebels to leave violence and hatred and accept the subsidies and support that have been offered for a better chance of life, because in the end, we are all Filipinos.

I have heard of many former rebels who have embraced the government and have already enjoyed the livelihoods and financial benefits of E-Clip. According to DILG data in 2020, more than 4,000 former rebels have benefited from the financial support of E-Clip over the past three years. That includes the so-called Militiang Bayan or supporters.

Therefore, let us continue in doing our share to join our government in spreading the good news and encouraging our Kababayans who are still in the NPA movement that it is not too late to return to government, live a normal and peaceful life and be a productive member of the community. (Gab Daguio)

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