Seventy-six members of the Alyansa ng Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) Bataan Chapter withdrew their support to the communist movement and disassociated from their former organization in simple rites at Barangay Pentor, Dinalupihan, Bataan, Friday morning.
Their ceremonial withdrawal of support to the reds with the theme “Pagbawi ng Suporta sa Komunista, Katumbas ay Pagsibol ng Bagong Umaga na Puno ng Pag-asa” coincided with the celebration of the Human Rights Consciousness Week.
They condemned the atrocities of the communists including human rights violations, killing of their relatives, recruitment of minors, extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and exploitation of farmers.
According to Ka Maxene, a former AMGL member, they will form a new organization called Malaya at Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Bataan.
“With our collective efforts and assistance from the government, we hope this organization we establish will be successful. We will also use it to encourage the remaining AMGL members to return to the government for peace and development.”
She also stated they were inspired to organize after witnessing the development of former CTG members and supporters who turned into POs with the assistance of the government here in Central Luzon.
To formalize their withdrawal of support from the CTG, the farmers took an oath of support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict before the member agencies of the RTF-ELCAC 3. They also burned the AMGL and NPA flags and lit candles as a symbol of unity as they ushered in their call for peace.
During the program, they were given an orientation on Executive Order No. 70, or the whole of nation’s approach to ending local communist armed conflict. Also, representatives from different government agencies presented their programs and services that can be beneficial to them and encouraged the farmers to avail the different programs.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Regional Director Niño Anthony Balagtas, assured the farmers of the government support as they start anew.
“Our efforts at the RTF-ELCAC 3 will continue to bring you the government services that are really for you,” Director Balagtas said in his message.
He also thanked the farmers for withdrawing their support to the communist Movement and their willingness to help in ending the recruitment of the reds in the farmers’ sector.
Further, they also received food packs as early Christmas gifts from the Dinalupihan Municipal Police Station and Northern Luzon Command, AFP.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command through the 1st Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP, and the 70th Infantry “Matapat at Matatag” Batallion, Philippine Army will continue to collaborate with Regional Task Force ELCAC 3 on livelihood interventions for these former CTG members and supporters to make them productive members of the community.
