By Jennifer P. Rendon
Fifteen drivers of two associations allegedly allied with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) withdrew their support from the rebel group.
The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade said these individuals were members of Padrias Parian Drivers Association (PPDA) and Comfuda Companya Fundidor Drivers Association (CCFDA) Transport.
PPDA, headed by its chairman Noel Garcia, and CCFDA, under its chairman Arman Zandry Elangos, are organizations under Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON).
The 15 drivers took their oath of allegiance to the government on April 29, 2021. It was one of the highlights of the multi-sectoral meeting facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 33rd Civil-Military Operation Company headed by Captain Ivy Arcangeles.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st IB commander, said it was done in collaboration with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Police Community Relations Section under Lieutenant Marlon Perez; SAMBAYANAN Metro Iloilo Chapter headed by Rey Cachuela, who is also the chairman of Hugpong Obrero; and South Fundidor Barangay Council headed by Barangay Captain Jonathan Altura.
Sison has lauded the move of the 15 members of the transport sector in pledging their support to the government, which he claimed is “the right step towards peace.”
“You are now an inspiration to the remaining NPA allies who are still afraid to renounce the terroristic ideologies of the CPP-NPA terrorists,” he said.
With them as the government’s new partners in spreading awareness about the deceptive maneuvers of the communist-terrorist organization, Sison said they are optimistic that more NPA allies will recite the same oath and join the journey towards achieving peace and progress in Panay Island.
