MANILA — There is an urgent need for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to be declared as terrorist groups as they are no different from the Abu Sayyaf and Maute Group.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin made the statement when sought for comment on the petition filed by the Department of Justice at the Manila Regional Trial Court to declare the CPP and NPA as terrorist groups.
“Mahalaga na madeklarang terorista ang NPA, upang lubusan ng maalis sa kanila ang imaheng pagkukunwari, na sila ang tunay na nakikipaglaban para sa bayan. Sa pagiging terorista, sila na ngayon ay kahanay ng mga grupong Abu Sayyaf at Maute (It is important to declare the NPA as terrorist group, for their pretentious image of fighting for the people to stop. For being terrorists, they are now in the same rank of Abu Sayyaf and Maute),” he added.
Also, in the past few months, Datuin said the entire country had witnessed terror acts committed by the rebels that included kidnapping, killing of innocent civilians and torching and destruction of numerous properties, both private and public, and extortion activities.
And should the CPP-NPA be declared terrorist groups, the AFP said that all of their supporters would be made liable to the government under Republic Act 10168 (The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012).
In the same vein, Datuin said the entire AFP is urging the remaining NPAs in the mountains to cease their armed struggle and reintegrate themselves back to society.
“Kaya ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ay nananawagan sa mga natitirang NPA sa kabundukan, na panahon na upang talikuran ang armadong pakikipaglaban, at magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan. Ang gobyerno ay handang tumulong upang makapagbagong buhay ang magbabalik loob (That is why the Armed Forces of the Philippines is calling on the remaining NPAs in the mountains that it is time to end the armed conflict and return to the fold of the law. The government is ready to help them start new lives),” he added. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
