14 FARMERS RENOUNCE SUPPORT FROM AMGL- NE

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Fourteen farmers on Monday renounced their support from the militant farmers’ group Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon – Nueva Ecija Chapter (AMGL-NE).

The 14 are members of the Samahan ng Liga ng Magsasaka sa Macabaclay.

The government’s peace and development campaign in Central Luzon continues to gain momentum as more members of militant organizations in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija formally withdrew their backing  for groups linked to insurgency activities, authorities said.

The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), in coordination with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), local government units, and security forces, facilitated a series of withdrawal of support activities aimed at strengthening community-based peace initiatives in the region.

Col. Ritchie Claravall, director of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, said the 14 farmers formally withdrew their support from AMGL-NE during a peace and community engagement activity held on Monday in Bgy. Macabaclay in Bongabon.

The event was attended by personnel from the 703rd Infantry Brigade, 48th Infantry Battalion, and the 3rd Mobile Platoon in Bongabon led by Capt.  Silvestre C. Colanza under the supervision of Lt. Col. Rammel Ebarle, Force Commander of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, along with barangay officials and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, two members affiliated with KADAMAY in Pandi, Bulacan also withdrew their support during a similar activity conducted on May 14.

Col. Cornelio Ordanza, Force Commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 (RMFB3), said the initiative was carried out through the joint efforts of the 301st Maneuver Company, Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Pandi Municipal Police Station.

According to authorities, the withdrawal of support activities were the result of sustained community dialogues, immersion programs, and information campaigns promoting the government’s peace and development agenda under the whole-of-nation approach of RTF-ELCAC.

Participants were provided assistance, debriefing, and proper documentation procedures before being reintegrated peacefully into their respective communities.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the development reflects the increasing trust and cooperation between residents and government authorities in addressing insurgency-related concerns through peaceful means.

“The success of these activities reflects the effectiveness of the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in promoting lasting peace and development in our communities,” Mendez said.

“Through sustained engagement, dialogue, and responsive public service, we continue to encourage our fellow Filipinos to support lawful and peaceful avenues toward progress and stability,” he added.

PRO3 assured the public that it will continue supporting the programs of RTF-ELCAC through strengthened partnerships with communities, proactive public safety initiatives, and close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and other stakeholders to maintain peace and security across Central Luzon.