BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion reported that 533 residents of Brgy. Tabon, Vallehermoso, Negros Occidental, have withdrawn their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army.
In a statement, the 62IB said that Vallehermoso residents, including former rebel supporters, also declared the CPP – NPA as “persona non grata, during a Community-Based Dialogue recently held in the barangay.
The Vallehermoso Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) and the Department of Interior and Local Government, in partnership with the 62IB and municipal police station, initiated the activity.
After declaring the CPP-NPA terrorist organization as persona non grata, the participants also took their “Panumpa sa Kalinong” before Tabon village chairman Alfredo Lera.
Pastor Shamgard Casipong of Christian Fellowship Church led a prayer and candle lighting for peace and victims of NPA atrocities.
The activity culminated through the Caravan of Services facilitated by the MTF-ELCAC.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, in a statement, lauded Vallehermoso MTF-ELCAC, 62IB and PNP for their efforts that resulted in the declaration of persona non grata and withdrawal of support of the residents for the CPP-NPA.*
