THE Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly condemned the New People’s Army for conducting four attacks during the Holy Week despite its pronouncement that it would not conduct any tactical offensive during the Lenten season.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the recent attacks conducted by the Communist NPA terrorists that disturbed the peaceful observance of the Holy Week and caused death and destruction in several communities in the country,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said Tuesday.
The same unprovoked attacks targeted government troops, as well as civilians and properties, he added.
Garcia said: “One of the attacks resulted in the death of two newly-surrendered NPAs who were members of the Militia ng Bayan in Montevista, Compostela Valley.
“The NPA terrorists ambushed the surrenderers and the soldiers accompanying them. The attack also endangered the lives of a barangay captain and a councilor who assisted the two former rebels. We believe that their former members are in possession of some knowledge that will expose the CPP-NPA-NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front].”
In related developments:
• The NPA recent torching of engineering equipment used in constructing the Davao Bypass Road Callawa in Buhangin, Davao City clearly shows the rebel group’s lack of concern for national development and economic growth, according to AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Monday.
“The recent burning of construction equipment intended for road widening once again manifest (sic) the NPAs non-concern for national development and economic growth,” he added.
Also, Datuin said that such criminal and ruthless attacks all the more justified the terror tag on the group which continues to sow fear to the Filipino people.
“The remaining members should instead join the mainstream society and contribute for peace and progress,” the AFP spokesperson stressed.
On Sunday, NPA members burned three “Howo” dump trucks, one backhoe, one “King Long” dump truck, operated by the Leonardo Trucking Services.
• The growing number of surrendering NPA members and supporters, the sanctions and charges awaiting businesses supporting them and their looming terror tag are the primary reasons why the rebel group is now eagerly pushing for the resumption of the peace talks.
This was mentioned by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement Tuesday.
“First, their fighters and mass base are surrendering in droves. As of last count, more than 4,000 have done so nationwide, with the bulk coming from Eastern Mindanao. More and more are returning to society because of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and their desire to give their families a better future,” Lorenzana said. PNA
“Second, the President has given notice that any business found paying and helping the NPA would be closed. Rather than serve as milking cows of lazy insurgents, these establishments can cooperate with our authorities and enjoy the protection of our security forces without having to pay anything,” the DND chief pointed out.
“Third, they are about to be declared by the court as a terrorist organization. They can no longer hide their sinister plans and actions by using their political ideology as their legal cover,” he stressed.
Lorenzana also added that the NPAs were not really out for genuine peace during negotiations as they are using respite provided by the talks to strengthen their armed rebellion.
On Nov. 23, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 360, ordering the termination of all peace negotiations and meetings with the rebel group.
The termination was an offshoot of the rebel atrocities and other acts of violence against civilians and security forces.
“This, I consider, is a fulfilment of my patriotic duty to stand and defend the people against their deceptive schemes and despicable acts,” he added.
