Some groups and parents whose children became members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have gathered in Mendiola on Wednesday night to commemorate lives lost due to attacks and violence of leftist groups.
The candle lighting ceremony is in line with this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Prayers were also offered to the youth who were recruited by organizations considered as “legal front” but eventually turned out to be full-fledged NPA members.
“Nakikita namin ang kanilang dalamhati, at kanilang paghihirap na makita ‘yung kanilang anak na mahiwalay sa kanila. Pag-aaralin nila sa eskwelahan, magpapaalam, magseseminar lang daw, ‘yun pala namumundok na (We see their grief and suffering over the loss of their children. They send them to school, they ask for their permission to attend seminars but eventually have gone to the mountains),” Liga Independencia Pilipinas Sec. Gen. Jose Goitia said.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Sec. Hermogenes Esperon expressed support and admiration to the boldness of spokesperson of the NTF-ELCAC, Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy and Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade in their statements against organizations with alleged affiliation to the CPP.
Parlade previously faced public uproar after he cautioned actress Liza Soberano for showing support to women’s rights group Gabriela while Badoy’s resignation is being demanded by the members of the Makabayan bloc in the Lower House of Congress for red-tagging. – Report from Bea Bernardo
