TWENTY farmers from Nueva Ecija have withdrawn support from the communist New People’s Army (NPA), further weakening the rebel group operating in the province, according to the military.
In a statement, the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) yesterday said the 20 are members of the Liga ng Mangagawang Bukid (LMB), a group of farmers based in Guimba town in Nueva Ecija.
The 7th ID said the farmers took their oath of allegiance to the government in rites held in the town Thursday last week. Guimba mayor Jose Dizon led the ceremony.
The event was facilitated by the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion, Guimba police station and 2nd Mobile Force Company of the PNP.
Officials from the military and police officials witnessed the ceremony, along with other personnel from the Guimba municipal government and concerned agencies.
84th IB commander Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto commended the LMB members for severing ties with the communists. He assured the farmers the military will support them in their bid to live normal lives.
