FIFTY-FOUR members of a farmers’ group withdrew support from the New People’s Army (NPA) in Tarlac last Wednesday amid continuing military efforts to end the country’s insurgency problem.
The members of the Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) pledged their allegiance to the government after severing ties with the communists in rites held in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City.
The AMGL is the regional chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. The group said it is fighting for genuine land reform and is against land grabbing, militarization, and human rights violations, among others.
Their withdrawal of support was facilitated and witnessed by the Army’s 3rd Mechanized Battalion, 702 Brigade, Tarlac provincial police office, and other member agencies of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
During the ceremony, the farmers denounced the communist movement and burned flags of the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front.
They also took their oath as members of the Malayang Magbubukid ng Hacienda Luisita, an organization and cooperative of former supporters and members of the NPA in Tarlac.
Lt. Col. Jeszer Baustista, commander of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion, welcomed the decision of the farmers.
“May your worthy decision encourage others to desire also for peace and progress here in Hacienda Luisita rather than the violence and insurgency brought by the CTG (communist terrorist group),” said Bautista.
Bautista urged the farmers not to be deceived again by the promises of the communists to finally end the cycle of poverty, especially in the farming sector.
Government troops are conducting relentless efforts to finally end the more than five decades of insurgency problem. Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 1,000 men.
