By Bea Bernardo
As the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) marked its 52nd anniversary Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called their existence tainted by “violence, injustice, atrocities, deceit, and lies.”
AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the years of violence and criminality of the CPP-NPA are nothing to be celebrated.
“They remain…one of the greatest hindrances to peace and development in some areas of our country,” Sobejana said.
He added that the Filipino people are tired of the fear created by the communist terrorist group, and that even their own members are now surrendering to the government.
The AFP chief called on the entire nation to help the government put an end to the existence of the CPP-NPA.
“With the AFP’s combination of persistent conventional and non-conventional military operations alongside the cooperation and support of other agencies and local government units, we will continue to pressure the communist terrorists to lay down their arms and go back to mainstream society,” Sobejana said.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana vowed that there will be no let up in their fight against the NPA.
“For the last half-century, the NPA took pride in burning properties, spreading lies, sowing violence, and undermining the Republic, all in the name of their flawed ideology,” Lorenzana said.
He also emphasized that the government welcomes rebel returnees.
“Tinatanggap natin ang ating mga kababayan na nais nang magbalik-loob. Nawa’y mas marami pa sa inyong hanay ang magpasya na talikuran na ang marahas na landas na tinatahak ng NPA.”
[We welcome our countrymen who wish to return (to the mainstream fold). May there be more among your ranks who will turn their backs on the violent path trodden by the NPA.]
