MAASIN CITY (PIA) -- About a hundred people who are allegedly former active members of the communist group New People’s Army coming from different municipalities in the pacific area of the province descended to this city Friday, February 25, to show their disgust to the communist group.

Despite overcast skies and scattered rainshowers every now and then, the small crowd gathered at the plaza and made a short parade around the city holding placards with messages against the armed rebels.

As they walked, the leader holding megaphone kept on shouting, denouncing the bad workings of the CPP-NDF-NPA, echoed in unison by the rallying marchers, in voices loud enough to catch attention of passersby and motorists who looked surprised at what was happening.

The activity was organized by the 14IB, Philippine Army, and was timed with the 36th celebration of the EDSA People Power revolt.

In going back to the plaza after the brief march, two speakers, a former rebel and a lady youth leader, shared the need to be vigilant in order to avoid becoming a victim to the CPP-NDF-NPA’s clever recruitment tactics and deceptive propaganda ploy.

The elder speaker, who called himself as the former Ka Edwin, called on those still supporting and sympathizing with the NPAs to change their ways and support the good programs of the government instead, particularly in efforts at ending the 53-year-old problem on insurgency.

The lady youth leader, on the other hand, related the significance of the day, the EDSA bloodless revolution, saying people have the power to effect change, including not being lured to the clutches of the communists.

The activity ended with the burning of the CPP-NDF-NPA flag and the lighting of candles dedicated to the victims of the underground movement. (LDL/MMP/PIA8-Southern Leyte)