LAOAG CITY, June 28 (PIA) --  With the rise of another Ilokano president, former leaders and members withdrew their support from the leftist group and pledged their loyalty back to the government in a voluntary oath of allegiance and signing of covenant on June 26 in the municipality of Currimao.

A total of 105 members of the Alyansa dagiti Mannalon iti Ilocos Norte (AMIN) and six members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) publicly declared and denounced the atrocities of the leftist groups.

Some leaders narrated how they were deceived by these groups in rebelling against the government.

Now they have come to the grip of reality, former AMIN members and rebel returnees burned the flags of these leftist groups, vowed to support the Republic of the Philippines, and signed their names in the covenant for sustainable internal security, peace, and development.

With the new administration of incoming president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr who is born and raised in Ilocos Norte, the former leftist group supporters believe in the change, hope, and good governance of an Ilokano leader.

“Sa katatapos na Regional Peace and Order Council, natalakay po doon na ang mga naiwanan ng ating administrasyon ay ipagpapatuloy at hihigitan pa ng bagong pamahalaan sa liderato ni President Bongbong Marcos,” Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque, chief of Police Regional Office 1, said. 

In his message, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala cited the ceremony as a significant event for the continuous attainment of lasting peace in the municipality.

“This is no longer a battle between Filipinos against Filipinos. Ang kalaban po natin ngayon ay kahirapan, ignorance, illiteracy. Iyan po ang ating kalaban. Huwag po tayong magpapagamit sa mga makakaliwang grupo,” said Quilala as he encouraged former members and supporters to be more discerning to not fall into the traps of communist deception.

In response to their courageous act of allegiance back to the government fold, the returnees are given government assistance through the “Capitol Express” of the provincial government and “Pangkabuhayan ni Manong Pulis” of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office.

“Ang mga naibigay na assistance ngayon ay pauna pa lamang upang sa ganun, ang ating mga kapatid na mga nagbalik loob ay tuluy-tuloy na makakamit at mararamdaman nila ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng tulong, pagkain, livelihood programs, at patubig na kakailanganin sa ikabubuhay nila sa pang-araw araw,” added Obinque.

In closing, guests and participants released doves as a sign of freedom and peace in the community. (JCR/JND/MJTAB,PIA Ilocos Norte)