AgSur farmers disowns NAMASUR, creates a new association as their own

Former members of Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR) have undergone reorientation and registration of their newly organized association conducted recently in Barangay Guadalupe, Esperanza, this province.

With the support of Esperanza Local Government Unit and with the guidance of it’s Municipal Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan, the Guadalupe United Farmers Association (GUFA) as their new organization was registered through the assistance of the Municipal Information Office and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) spearheaded by Gina Amonhay, together with the combined troops from 26th Infantry Battalion and 41st CivilMilitary Operation (CMO) Company, 4th CMO Battalion, under 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

Based on intelligence reports and revelations from former rebels, NAMASUR is one of the organizations being utilized by the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) on fundraising and even source of manpower during the conduct of protests and rallies against the government in urban areas, worst is it also become a source of recruitment for NPA regulars and cadres.

As part of its deceptive tactics, the organizer of NAMASUR as it was legally qualified as People’s Organization, will proposed livelihood projects to concerned public or private agencies in order to gain funds which will, later on, be used as support to CNT movement.

“Isip presidente sa GUFA nga amung bag-ong asosasyon, ako nagpasalamat sa tabang sa atuang gobyerno ilabi na sa mga kasundaluhan sa ilang gibuhat sa panuyo nga kami mahigmata ug maundang ang paggamit sa amua sa NAMASUR. Wala 36

mi mga kalabutan nga daotan diay ang tumong ug panuyo sa amuha sa maong organisasyon,” Arthur P. Cabana said, former NAMASUR member.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB, expressed his gratitude and compliment to all the farmers who unravel their membership to NAMASUR. “This is the time for us to unite in order to defeat these deceptive tactics of the CNT in using our farmers to be part of their violence and ambition in grabbing political power from our government. Hopefully, this will be the start of our winning cause in defeating this kind of left-leaning organization,” he said.

As prescribed by RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), under Sec. 12 of the said act, “Any person who provides any material support to any terrorist individual or terrorist organization, association or group of people knowing that such groups are involved in terroristic activities, shall be liable as principal to any and all other terroristic activities committed by said individuals or organizations in addition to any criminal liabilities he/she or they may have incurred in relation thereto”.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines pursuant to the provisions of RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)