ALABEL, Sarangani Province (December 26, 2024) — The municipality of Alabel in Sarangani Province joined a nationwide indignation rally on Thursday morning to condemn over 50 years of alleged fraud and intimidation by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). The event took place at the Alabel Mega Public Market in Barangay Poblacion.
The rally drew participants from various sectors, including civilian volunteers’ groups, the Barangay Peace Action Team (BPAT), Task Force Kasama, CIS Group, Kamlung Banwe (Bagani) members, police, army, firefighters, business leaders, and municipal and barangay officials.
In his keynote speech, Mayor Vic Paul M. Salarda expressed pride in Alabel’s designation as an “insurgency-cleared” municipality. He attributed this achievement to the strong cooperation between residents and local barangay officials, emphasizing that community unity was key to eliminating the presence of insurgents. Mayor Salarda also highlighted the economic progress the municipality has achieved due to sustained peace and security.
“Let us never be deceived by false ideologies. We only have one true government—the Government of the Republic of the Philippines—and one flag, which symbolizes our Filipino identity,” Salarda said, urging continued vigilance against subversive groups.
A Former Rebel’s Testimony
A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) shared his story during the program, recounting the hardships he endured while in the group. He spoke of being separated from his family, losing educational opportunities, and witnessing inhumane acts such as robbery, arson, murder, and extortion under the guise of a “revolutionary tax.”
“I realized that the promises of the NPA were empty,” he said, adding that he has since returned to lawful society and now works as a local government employee. His story underscored the government’s success in reintegrating former rebels through programs providing livelihood, insurance, and roles as forest guards and peacekeepers under the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team.
Recognition of Peace Efforts
The rally also celebrated the achievements of Mayor Salarda and the Local Government of Alabel. Last December 4, 2023, Salarda received the highest recognition from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) during its fifth founding anniversary. The award acknowledged his exceptional contribution to promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development in formerly conflict-affected areas.
Symbol of Unity and Peace
Participants marched through the town, carrying placards condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF and calling for an end to their alleged crimes. The rally concluded with the release of white balloons, symbolizing the community’s hope for lasting peace.
Local officials, including the Alabel Municipal Police Station’s Chief of Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Reynaldo S. Delante, and other provincial leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Whole-of-Nation Approach to ending insurgency, as mandated by Executive Order 70 issued under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and sustained by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
The event highlighted Alabel’s dedication to peace and progress, standing as an example of unity and resilience in the face of decades-long conflict.
