BY GILBERY P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army reported yesterday that 276 residents of Brgy Maglahos in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, have withdrawn their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, during a Local Peace Engagement activity held on June 4.
Spearheaded by the Municipal Task Force –ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), the villagers did a symbolic burning of the NPA flag to show their rejection of the terror activities of the rebel group, a press statement from the 62nd Infantry Battalion said.
Led by Brgy. Chairman Angelito Estoica, the residents also pledged to support the government peace initiatives, by rendering the “Panumpa sa Kalinong (Pledge for Peace)” and offered prayers to the victims of rebel atrocities, the statement added.
The release of doves was also initiated to symbolize peace, unity, and freedom from the NPA terroristic threats, it further said.
Estoica said they are grateful to the local government of Vallehermoso, the police, and 62IB for securing and maintaining peace in their barangay.*
