Some former rebels and supporters from Brgy. 02 in the Municipality of Maria Aurora, on Friday, October 15, 2021, joined the Region III Regional Task Force ELCAC’s conduct of Localized Peace Engagement and Community Consultation, to signify their official withdrawal of support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).
The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) facilitated the peace activity, which followed the maximum health standard protocols, to cater to members or supporters of the communist terrorist group (CTG) who voluntarily surrendered to the government.
National Government Agencies presented their respective programs for the former rebels. One of which is the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the DILG which is a flagship program of President Rodrigo Duterte’s peace and order agenda. It was discussed by LGOO V Madam Cassey N. Buenaventura, representing DILG R3 Regional Director, Dir. Karl Caesar R. Rimando, CESO III.
In her message, LGOO V Buenaventura encouraged the FRs to be productive members of the community and be involved in government community-support programs.
The peace gathering, facilitated by the joint intervention of the PNP, AFP and NGAs was attended by the following: PLTCOL Christopher M. Bermudez, Chief RIU - 3, IG, PNP; MGEN Abraham Claro M. Casis Ret, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; LTCOL Reandrew Rubio, Battalion Commander, 91st IB; PTCOL. Abraham B. Hambon, PNP Aurora PPO; Dir. Ma. Luisa F. De Guzman, Regional Director, NICA-3 & Head, SAKM Cluster, RTF ELCAC 3; Dir. Zenaida Castañeda of Department of Agriculture; Dir. Aldrin Veneracion of the DTI; LGOO VI Amado M. Angara, MLGOO – Maria Aurora; LGOO V Madam Cassey N. Buenaventura, DILG Aurora and representatives from different national government agencies and stakeholders
The highlight of the activity is the FR's signing of the pledge of withdrawal of support to the CPP-NPA and the ceremonial burning of the red's flag.
