FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – 50 rebels and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered and withdraw their support during the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Convergence and Community Consultation conducted on Barangay Manggitahan, Dilasag, Aurora on August 17, 2022.
The activity was spearheaded by the Regional Director Maria Luisa De Guzman of Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster of RTF-ELCAC with the assistance of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion.
During the program the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Labor and Employment offers financial and Livelihood assistance, and vocational skills to the participants.
In his statement, Lieutenant Colonel Julito B Recto Jr, Commanding Officer of 91IB assures that the Sinagtala troops are always open to welcome active members of the CTG who wish to return and start a new life with the government.
The Aurora Provincial Police Office through the Dilasag Municipal Police Station and other partner agencies distributed food packs for the delegates of the activity.
Meanwhile, Major General Andrew D Costelo, Commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division encouraged the local community to support the former rebels as they return and embrace peaceful life. Also, MGen Costelo reiterates that the 7ID is always ready to give assistance to the rebels who decided to begin armed conflict free life.
Before the activity concluded, participants signed Pledge and Withdrawal of Support and conducted the ceremonial burning of Communist Party of the Philippines flag and simultaneous singing of the “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”.
