A resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non-grata was signed in Barangay Jose Libayao, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, on Saturday.
Led by Talaingod Mayor Jonnie Libayao, three barangay chairmen, and the tribal council of Talaingod, signed the said resolution through a symbolic tribal ceremony as part of the commencement activity of the three-day Peace-building Seminar (PBS) facilitated by troops of the 56th Infantry Battalion.
“We all wished for a peaceful community and we can only attain this if we end the presence of NPA’s in our areas,” Libayao said.
In an interview on Sunday, Capt. Erick Wynmer Calulot, Public Information Officer of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, said the declaration seeks to open greater opportunity for investments on the said town.
“Now that the declaration was done, investors will now penetrate in the area,” he said.
He also added that based on their assessment, members of the NPA who used to stay in the area are fleeing to some parts in Bukidnon.
“That’s why they have the confidence to declare persona non grata because they are no longer welcome in the area,” he added.
However, Calulot disclosed that reports that reached their office showed members of the armed group are trying to recover their mass bases in Talaingod town.
“They tried to recover Talaingod town to persuade the community to fight for the operation of Salugpungan schools which was recently suspended,” he confirmed.
Though the number of their existence in the said town is very insignificant, Calulot urged the communities to be vigilant and report instances of their presence at all times.
Col. Nolasco A Mempin, Brigade Commander of the 1003rd Raptor Brigade, said they completely supported the initiative of the people of Talaingod against the CPP-NPA.
He added that the declaration is a manifestation on the part of the Indigenous People community being fed up with deception and abuses of the communist movement.
“With this declaration, the people have expressed their desire for genuine change and real progress through the help of the government and the military.
We do hope that this would be the beginning of a pouring-in of developmental initiatives that would contribute to a lasting peace in the area.”, he said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
