CABANATUAN CITY — The government’s campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in Nueva Ecija gained another headway with the withdrawal of support of some 14 farmer-sympathizers to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the surrender of a former top rebel to authorities in the towns of Llanera and Santo Domingo on Wednesday.

Provincial police head Col. Richard V. Caballero said these 14 farmer-members of the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid and Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon under the umbrella of the Kilusan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas turned their backs on CPP-NPA-NDF and pledged their allegiance and commitment of support to the Republic of the Philippines following simple ceremonies held at the Bgy. Mabini Hall in Llanera at 4 p.m.

The activity was graced by Llanera Mayor Ronnie Roy G. Pascual, Lt. Col. Joseph R. Sta. Cruz, 2nd provincial mobile force company head, Army 2nd Lt. Rialyn Alunday, Carol Javate, DILG municipal officer and Bgy. Captain Fernando Arcega, of Mabini.

Caballero said this latest operational accomplishment which was led by Lt. Col. Sta. Cruz, is in line with the implementation of the zegovernment’s Oplan Balik-Loob Program and in support of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Task Force-ELCAC in the campaign against insurgency.

Meanwhile, in Sto. Domingo, police head Major Abraham C. Atencio identified the surrendered former rebel as “Ka Al, a former NPA team leader and political organizer under the Arcadio Peralta Command from 1996-1999.

“Ka Al” also turned over to Atencio his cal.38 firearm loaded with five bullets.

“NEPPO will continue to be persistent in its operations against the CTGs in the province and will further intensify its programs under the Executive Order No. 70 with our Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC),” said Col. Caballero.

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Steve A. Gosuico