The New People’s Army’s attempt to teach minors an alternative version of the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” is part of local communists’ efforts to fight the government and demonize troops tasked to protect the country from such threats.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato when asked if the military was aware of such efforts by the rebels, especially those operating in the Davao Region.
“That has been confirmed years ago by a minor who was once in a Salugpungan school. It (“Lupang Sinira,” the rebel version of “Lupang Hinirang”) teaches the children to fight the government and it demonizes the soldiers,” Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday.
He added: “Schools are supposed to teach children love of country and be responsible Filipino citizens and contribute to nation-building.
“The national anthem they are teaching in Salugpungan is not an alternative version.
“It is a bastardized version and is an insult to the Filipinos and to our national heroes who fought and died just for the national anthem to be sung freely by the Filipinos of today and Filipinos of tomorrow.”
Earlier, former Bayan Muna representative, Satur Ocampo, denied claims that minors in the Davao Region were being taught the “Lupang Sinira,” as stated by Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde.
His claim, however, was junked after documents recovered by military units in Compostela Valley back in January 2014 showed a copy of the “Lupang Sinira,” sung to the tune of “Lupang Hinirang” and has the following lyrics:
“Bayang mahiwaga sa malayong Silangan
“Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y apoy
“Lupang sinira, bayan ng magigiting
“Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y buhay
“Sa nayon at lungsod itinatag makabayang pamahalaan
“May tilamsik ng dugo at awit sa paglayang minamahal
“CHORUS
“Ang pula ng watawat mo’y tagumpay na nagniningning
“Ang karit at kamao niya’y hindi magdidilim
“Laya ay langit kaluwalhati’t pagsinta
“Buhay ay lupa sa piling mo
“Sa nayon at lungsod itinatag makabayan pamahalaan
“May tilamsik ang dugo at awit sa paglaya minamahal
“(Repeat Chorus).”