CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — About 26 members of the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid (LMB) withdrew their membership and support to the Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid, an underground organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Group leader Arsenia Del Rosario led the move in a ceremony held at barangay Cawayang Bugtong in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
84th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt.Col. Honorato Pascual Jr. said the withdrawal of support was realized after the information dissemination of the Army in the barangay.
“Informing the people about the deception of the CPP-New Peoples’ Army (NPA) bandits is a worthwhile endeavor, as we in return, are saving lives. Through our information dissemination campaign, we opened their minds with the truth about these front organizations,” he said.
The Oath of Allegiance to the government and the withdrawal of support was made before the presence of Barangay Cawayang Bugtong officials led by Punong Barangay Marcos Ovina.
Del Rosario confessed that they thought that the LMB was advocating for the improvement of the plights of farmers, however, they learned through the Army that they were only being used for the CPP-NPA bandit’s political agenda.
In a statement, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr. welcomed the decision of the 26 members of the LMB to pledge their allegiance to the government.
“Joining a people’s organization is a right, however, it is our duty to inform the people of what organizations will get them into trouble. So, we are calling on everyone to be careful of what organization they will be part of,” he stressed.