The government opened its arms and embraced the decision of the 50 members of the Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL), who withdrew their support from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and pledged to support the government’s peace and development initiatives in a ceremony held on August 31, 2022, at Camp Tolentino, Balanga, Bataan.

The AMGL is the regional peasant organization of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and also affiliated to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Gitnang Luzon (BAYAN – GL) and Anakpawis Partylist. As a highlight of the program, the farmers burned the CTG flag in protest of the CTG’s atrocities and deceptions and pledged their allegiance and commitment to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

During the community consultation, they were given an orientation on Executive Order No. 70, or the whole nation’s approach to ending local communist armed conflict, as well as the programs and services of various government agencies that can be beneficial to them. Local Peace Engagement Cluster Head of the RTF ELCAC 3 Ma. Luisa De Guzman assured the farmers that the government would assist them in addressing their issues. “During the consultation, they expressed their needs and issues, with sincerity and a desire to reach out to the government, and that is what we will respond to,” she said.

Mayor Antonio Joseph R. Inton of Hermosa, Bataan, also offered the support of the local government unit for former rebels seeking to improve their lives and keep the province peaceful. It can be recalled that many members of the AMGL have withdrawn their support from the CTG, and this batch is believed to be the remnants of the peasant group AMGL. The Northern Luzon Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to collaborate with the Regional Task Force ELCAC 3 while also assisting in bringing former members and supporters of the CTG to the appropriate government agency to address their issues.

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