TACLOBAN CITY – The mayor of Kananga town, Leyte, together with 802nd Brigade Commander Noel Vestuir and 93rd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot, held a dialogue last week with families of identified active New People’s Army (NPA) members from the municipality.
The meeting took place following an encounter on February 10, which resulted in the death of two NPA members who were residents of the municipality.
Mayor Manuel Vicente Torres and the military officials convened the meeting to seek the cooperation of the family members in persuading the remaining active NPA members to surrender.
They assured the families that if they decide to reintegrate into peaceful communities, they would receive comprehensive support from the government.
As family members, the local chief executive believes they can convince their relatives who are NPA members to surrender by explaining the government’s efforts to address social and basic issues, thereby improving the lives of Kananga residents.
During the meeting, government officials explained the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers benefits to NPA members who peacefully lay down their arms.
At least four active NPA members operating in Leyte province are identified as residents of Kananga.
Two of these individuals, belonging to the groups led by Rolande Caballera and Crispolo Agunos Jr., were slain in Albuera town during a 15-minute encounter with troops from the 93rd IB.
The other two are members of a communist group operating in Southern Leyte province.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
