By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

According to the Philippine Army, thousands of “peace-loving citizens” from northern Negros and Bacolod City formed indignation rallies at different venues protesting and condemning the atrocities conducted by New People’s Army insurgents. Citizens from Escalante City, San Carlos City, Toboso, and Bacolod City gathered in response to the 51st founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“Since more localities in northern Negros declared CPP-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) ‘persona non-grata,’ I highly appreciate these concerned Negrosanons for they are aware of the lies and deception of the Communist terrorists,” explained by Philippine Army 79th Infantry Battalion commander, Lt. Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan. “[The] initiative significantly contributes to the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to end local Communist armed conflict.”
In Bacolod City, the rally, which was organized by the local Department of Interior Local Government, was held at the old Bacolod City Hall and was attended by personnel from the Bacolod City Health Office; Bacolod City Police Office; Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade; along with officials from Barangays 6, 9, 17, and 18.
Two former NPA rebels spoke against their previous association and encouraged those present, especially parents, to protect their children from recruiters from party-list organizations linked with the CPP-NPA./DGB, WDJ