CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- A total of 18 supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the town of Sablayan have withdrawn their support to the communist group.

Soldiers from the 68th Infantry Battalion together with the Occidental Mindoro Philippine National Police (PNP) and Calintaan PNP facilitated the formal withdrawal of support during the culmination of the community information awareness approach program and the serbisyo caravan of the Provincial and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (P/MTF-ELCAC) in the municipality of Sablayan.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed food packs and financial assistance to the former rebels and former CPP-NPA-NDF supporters.

In a statement, 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong highlighted that the decision of these 18 individuals to break ties with the CPP-NPA-NDF signifies a significant step towards peace and development in their communities.

Capulong emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the military, local government units, and other agencies in addressing the root causes of insurgency to achieve sustainable peace and development across Mindoro Island. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)

BANNER PHOTO COURTESY OF 68TH INFANTRY BATTALION