150 Anakpawis members, NPAs yield in Cagayan

By Liezle Basa Inigo

CAMP MARCELO A. ADDURU, Tuguegarao City – About 100 Anakpawis members and 50 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered and pledged allegiance to the government during a mass surrender ceremony in San Juan, Pamplona, Cagayan April 24.
    The symbolic gathering was attended by heads of government agencies and the local government unit of Pamplona.
    During the program, lecturers from member-agencies of the Regional Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) presented their programs and projects for rebels who wish to return to the fold of the law and enjoy a peaceful life.
    Emelita Vizcaro, former organizer of Anakpawis Pamplona who was recruited sometime in 2014, and alias “Manny,” a former youth member of a front organization, shared their testimonials and experiences and denounced the violence and atrocities committed by Anakpawis and its front organizations and the NPA in Cagayan and Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) in support of the government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict.
    Police Regional Office 2 director Police Brig. Gen. Crizaldo Obispo Nieves, represented by Col. Ronaldo G. Bayting, deputy regional director for operations, cited Anakpawis members for their decision to break away from the organization.
    Bayting said the PRO2 supports all government programs to end local communist armed conflict in Region 2.
    He added they will continue to bring services of the government closer to the community under the PRO2 “Lingkod Bayanihan” program.
    The Anakpawis members and former NPA rebels burned their flags and signed pledge of allegiance to the government during the event.