Eighty-two members of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) have formally severed ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and pledged allegiance to the government, the Philippine Army reported Sunday.
The mass withdrawal, held at the Lupi, Camarines Sur Municipal Gym over the weekend, was highlighted as a key milestone in ongoing peace efforts, and capped the Modified Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) of the 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB) in eight barangays, namely San Vicente, Tible, Mangcawayan, Belwang, San Rafael Norte, Buenasuerte, Napolidan, and Del Carmen.
Lawyer Siegfried Tayo of the Public Attorney’s Office in Ragay administered the oath of allegiance. The surrenderees were formally presented to Lupi Vice Mayor Noel Agravante, who hailed their decision to rejoin mainstream society.
Military officials credited the outcome to the MCSSP’s sustained community engagement, dialogue, and delivery of basic services designed to address the root causes of insurgency in the country.
Local leaders and security forces said the move strengthened community resilience against the influence of armed insurgents and fosters a more stable environment for peace and development in Lupi and nearby areas.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic unity gesture and the distribution of government assistance packages, as the former UGMO members expressed optimism about starting anew and contributing to their communities’ progress.
“With the successful implementation of the MCSSP, local communities are expected to further strengthen their resilience against the influence of armed groups and sustain ongoing peace and development initiatives in the municipality,” the Army said in a statement.
