NPA on the attack
The New People’s Army (NPA) in the Philippines is just greedy for power and their label as “extremists” is true.
The NPA, coupled with militants and left-wing organisations in the Philippines, are allegedly exploiting conflicts, including land disputes between businesses and the locals in order to drum up support for their activities. But aside from this, what is more disturbing is the brewing conspiracy amongst its cadres and peripheral actors like mafiosos in the “Godfather”.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said last week that a mere “conspiracy” with communist rebels could be the basis for arresting and filing rebellion cases against the
so-called “legal front” organisations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). President Rodrigo Duterte has also threatened to have key
figures in “above-ground” organisations of the Left arrested once he proves they are working with the CPP-NPA. He had first made this threat as he announced he was ending all peace negotiations with the Left, terminating a love-hate relationship that had once seen him appoint key militant
figures to his cabinet.
Meanwhile, there has been an increase in violent activities, particularly attacks on police stations and outlying detachments. A non-stop tirade will be the name of the game for the NPA.
More intensified attacks can be expected “against innocent and defenceless targets” following the formal termination of the peace process.
Jumel G Estranero
