Former Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)-Kalibo chairperson Nenita Tugna condemned the Regional Task Force (RTF)-Elcac for spreading lies on Facebook which falsely claimed that she had ‘returned allegiance’ to the government and reintegrated through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In Tugna’s interview on the radio programs of Barangay RU 92.9 Super Radyo Kalibo and K5 News FM Kalibo 94.5 on September 9, she explained that she or her organization Kadamay had no connection to the revolutionary group, contrary to what RTF-Elcac has been saying.

“Why would I return to the fold of the government? Am I an NPA? Do I have a weapon to return to the fold of the government?” Tugna said.

Tugna also condemned the malicious linking of her son, Kim Sin Tugna, to the revolutionary movement. She said the photograph allegedly recovered from an encounter in Tapaz, Capiz, was fabricated. The younger Tugna is a leader of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Aklan.

Kim also expressed his condemnation of the malicious story spread by RTF-Elcac about him. “Spreading fiction in the media shows how deceitful and desperate RTF-Elcac is to silence those who stand against injustice and corruption,” he said.

According to Kim, soldiers had visited his mother’s house several times to convince her to “clear” her name from accusations that she was a recruiter and member of the revolutionary group. Out of fear for her safety and while suffering from illness, she was forced to sign a statement declaring that she was not a member of the revolutionary group.

The military who are carrying out Civil Military Operations (CMO) are currently encamped in Barangay Briones, Kalibo, where the elder Tugna lives. Residents said soldiers are monitoring leaders and members of progressive groups in the barangay and persuading them to cut ties from their organizations.