16 NPA supporters surrender in Leyte

AGUITING, Kananga, Leyte – The continued fight of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to eradicate the New People’s Army in this part of Leyte scored anew when 16 NPA supporters and sympa­thatizers who are active members of the Samahang Magsasaka sa Calubian (SAMACA) and Kahugpungang Mag-uuma sa San Isidro (KAMAS) voluntarily surrendered without firearms to Lt. Malinche Tomarong, the commanding officer of Bravo Company of the 19th IB at the vicinity of Barangay Taglawigan, San Isidro, Leyte

Lt. Col. Henry Bumiltac, commanding officer of the 19th IB told The STAR that the surrender took place about 2 p.m. last week in the said municipality. The next day Bumiltac said that 30 communists terrorists supporters/ sympathizers and active members of Samahan sa Gugting Parag-uma (SAGUPA) voluntarily surrendered with 30 assorted low-powered firearms to the Information Team led by Sgt. Benito Ducalang, squad leader of Bravo Company this unit, at the vicinity of Barangay Cagnocot, Villaba, Leyte. They are now in their respective barangays for documentation and for proper disposition.

Bumiltac also said the two farmers’ organizations were organized by the CPP/NPA to strengthen their united front building effort in the area.

Bumiltac said that the surrender of the communist terrorist supporters and sympathizers in the 3rd congressional district, considered as the last bastion of NLF, was the product of an intensive information campaign of the 19th IB. He added that the people in the area are already aware of the true nature of the CPP/NPA /NDF, their ultimate objective – the seizure of political power and the establishment of a communist government.

“They are already aware that these farmers’ organizations are the source of financial, logistical and human resources of the armed struggle. Thus, they condemn the programs of the CPP/NPA and pledge to support the true government of the Filipino people, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” Bumiltac told The Star.