24 rebel supporters return to government

BY Ric Sapnu

GEN. TINIO, Nueva Ecija -- Twenty-four mass-based supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army swore allegiance to the government here on June 3 after withdrawing their support to the CPP-NPA.
    The ceremony was a result of a special intelligence operation conducted by the military and the provincial police for the supporters of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap and Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre, said Col. Jess Mendez, Nueva Ecija police director.
    As mass-based supporters, Mendez said the 24 served as contacts and couriers as well as facilitated the procurement and delivery of supplies, food and medicine to the communists.
    He said the supporters also acted as eyes and ears of the communists by monitoring the presence of government forces in a particular area and identifying possible targets for recruitment.