The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-CC) on Monday ordered the New People’s Army (NPA) to deploy special armed units to “strike enemy weak points” and “local tyrants” in towns and cities for its 53rd founding anniversary today.
In its 20-page message to the NPA, the CPP-CC noted the “fascist criminal bosses” who are responsible for the increasing number of alleged extrajudicial killings and other crimes should be punished by its armed wing to give justice to the victims.
“There is a public clamor for the revival of urban or rural-based units that can strike at the weak points of the enemy units and elements based in towns and cities, such as local tyrants and other bad elements and police units culpable for red-tagging, abducting, torturing and killing people with impunity,” the communist leaders said.
However, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the NPA anniversary means nothing, but lives lost and suffering due to its meaningless cause.
“We are once again reminded of the lives lost and the suffering caused by the Communist Terrorists, particularly their armed wing, the NPA.
Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology,” Lorenzana said.
The NPA was established on March 29, 1969, as the armed wing of the CPP.
The CPP called on the NPA to launch “special tactical offensives” to disable the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) communication system and air assets.
They said this attack would “effectively sabotage the capabilities of the enemy wherever possible and carry out punitive measures against vulnerable enemy units and elements” that may prompt the AFP to reduce the number of its forces deployed against the guerrilla fronts.
The CPP also directed the NPA to carry “widespread punitive actions combined with blows to the head” within the guerrilla fronts as it may compel the military and police forces to be on the defensive.
For its part, the Department of National Defense pointed out that communist rebels were responsible for deaths and suffering.
“Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology,” said Lorenzana, adding there was more to be done to stop armed conflicts in the country.
Nevertheless, the Defense chief also pointed out that thousands of rebels who surrendered to the government have received assistance to become productive members of society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“However, we are filled with hope for a more progressive and developed Philippines. Under the inter-agency Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), thousands have been given the chance to live their lives anew and become productive members of society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). They have given their firearms in exchange for more peaceful tools of trade, and I am encouraged by the success stories of our former rebels,” Lorenzana said.
Despite the weakening of the communist terrorists and the country now starting to reap the dividends of peace, the DND chief said efforts must continue to save remaining CPP-NPA members from their lost cause.