THE Armed Forced of the Philippines is now intensifying efforts to thwart possible attacks and atrocities by the New People’s Army in the run up to the latter’s 49th anniversary on March 29.
“The occasion is usually marked by their attacks against our people and vulnerable communities,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bievenido Datuin said Tuesday.
In related developments:
• At least 218 people have been displaced as the military launched an offensive against the NPA in Aloran, Misamis Occidental.
The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office said 218 people or 54 families had evacuated to the town’s gymnasium following an armed encounter between the military and the NPA at 3:15 p.m. on Monday.
It said that aside from the ground assault by the Philippine Army, the rebels’ position in Barangay Sinampungan was also bombarded with artillery fire. The military also used a Philippine Air Force helicopter.
All police units in the province have been placed on full alert. Checkpoints have also been set up around Aloran and its outskirts, the Misamis Occidental PPO added.
• A top defense official on Tuesday enticed the NPA to lay down their arms and rejoin the mainstream society, saying their cause had become irrelevant even as the military was ready to thwart potential attacks during the communist forthcoming anniversary.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the NPA not to spoil peace, progress and development unfolding in the country which the communist has attempted to derail in their 49 years of revolutionary struggle.
“I ask them: To lay down their arms and rejoin the society. Your cause has become irrelevant. If you could not win 49 years, what made you think you could salvage victory in the next 50?” Lorenzana urged.
“Come down, you owe your families and children a life of peace and stability. Let us join hands to build a better Philippines,” Lorenzana said.
Hostilities include raids, ambuscades, and sabotage against government troops, on public establishments and vital installations that severely affected innocent civilians. PNA with Francisco Tuyay
“These attacks against our people are terroristic in nature and clear reflection of their true color as a criminal and terrorist organization,” Datuin pointed out.
To deter such pointless violence, the AFP spokesperson said all military units would continue to be on a proactive stance against all threats of violence and would exert every effort to preserve the peace in every locality.
“The fight against terrorism and the preservation of peace is a shared responsibility of everyone,” Datuin stressed.
Lorenzana explained that the NPA had lost their mass-based support and that their members were reportedly retuning to the folds of the law.
Lorenzana’s call for the NPA to rejoin the society came even as the military was prepared to repulse any attempt by the communist movement to launch attacks during their March 29 anniversary.
Datuin, Chief Civil Relations Service and spokesman, said the Armed Forces was intensifying its efforts to thwart possible attacks and atrocities in line with the NPA’s anniversary.
“The occasion is usually marked by their attacks against our people and vulnerable communities,” Datuin said.
Datuin lamented that the NPA’s acts for decades in line with their struggle to overthrow the government was a clear reflection of their true color as a criminal and terrorist organization which not only
severely affected the communities but also caused massive traffic during their parallel protest actions in the metropolis.
“They have repeatedly done such actions that disturbed the peace of the place and pestered law abiding citizens,” he said.
He said the military would not be threatened by possible attacks by the NPA and would continue to be on alert for such eventuality.
“ Our forces will continue to be on a proactive stance against all threats of violence and will exert every effort to preserve the peace in every locality,” Datuin said
“The fight against terrorism and the preservation of peace is a shared responsibility of everyone,” he added.