14 Militia, 105 Supporters, Condemns NPA in Zambo del Sur

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov. 10, 2018)– A peace rally condemning the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist was conducted in Market Site, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur Friday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) OIC Chief disclosed that the surrendered 14 Militia ng Bayan and 105 NPA supporters were among the protesters, together with Local Govrnment Units (LGUs), non-government and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

Capt.  Antipala said that the activity was then followed by an oath of allegiance to the government by the surrenderees and supporters.

Antipala added that the group also yielded 127 assorted loose firearms to Lt. Col. Jonathan Obena, 44 Infantry Battalion Commander and were subsequently turned over to PNP Bayog for proper disposition.

Custodial debriefing to surenderees is still on-going as of this reports. 

“The peace rally by the surrenderees is an evidence of mistrust and frustration to the NPA that hinders peace and progress in their community,” 102^nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Bagnus Gaerlan also said.

“We will continuously collaborate with stakeholders for their enrollment to Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government,” Col. Gaerlan added.

Army’s Premier Division Chief Major General Roseller Murillo, Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the efforts of 44IB, 102Bde, PNP and the stakeholders who facilitated the activity.

“Let us give peace a chance. We should work together for a just and lasting peace without the use of arms and violence.” Maj. General Murillo said.