On the eve of May 1 International Labor Day, the NTF-ELCAC, and the Bulacan LGU once again teamed up for their showcase of fake and planted surrenderers posed as rebel returnees.

Based on media reports, some 224 rebel returnees and members of urban poor group Kadamay and progressive party-list Bayan Muna ‘surrendered’ to the folds of the law. The ceremony this morning was witnessed by San Jose Del Monte City (SJDM) Mayor Arturo Robes.

“Hindi na bago ang modus na ito. Matagal na itong ginagawa ng NTF-ELCAC sa Bulacan. Tuwing magkakaroon ng malaking pagkilos ang mamamayan, sasabayan ng NTF-ELCAC ng fake mass surrender,” said KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos who recalled that fake surrenderers were presented in October 2019 in Malolos and on October 2020 in Pandi town. The said surrenderers were also alleged as Kadamay members renouncing their ties and connection to the ‘communist movement.’

Most of the surrenders are not connected with Bayan Muna and Kadamay while some were relocatees from various urban poor communities in Manila that are now residing in SJDM.

Based on information from the ground, the fake rebel returnees from SJDM were reportedly offered cash aid, housing, and livelihood by the NTF-ELCAC. Pinangakuan sila ng ayuda na P20,000 bawat isa basta susurender. One elderly woman who was interviewed by the media at the ceremony said she has been a member of Bayan Muna for 37 years. Bayan Muna was established only in 1999 or 21 years ago. This mass surrender is nothing but a farce, a desperate attempt to discredit progressive people’s organizations. It is even more contemptuous that the NTF-ELCAC is using the desperate situation of our people demanding aid. 

KMP said the timing of the activity is also suspect as it coincided with the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in support of the government’s program for rebel returnees. DAR together with the PNP has launched the Sikhay Buhay program to give rebel returnees a source of livelihood through farming. The ceremonies were attended by Philippine National Police for the Sikap-Buhay joint program. DAR Secretary John Castriciones and Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Debold Sinas attended the activity. #