Communism advocates are everywhere—Crucero

By Erly C. Garcia

Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army admitted that they could not be all over to monitor the movement of communist rebels particularly in their recruitment activities.

However he called on the people to open up their minds and know for themselves what is right or wrong so that they could not be mislead.

“The advocates of communism are everywhere even in the church sector so the people should be very vigilant,” Crucero said.

He lamented that there are still groups involved in such quest when many countries that were once communists have already converted into democracy.

Crucero said both the armed component and the front organizations of the communist rebels are actively engaged in organizing.

They are also active in propaganda warfare capitalizing on the economic conditions of the people.

“They are good in that aspect and indeed there are people who are mislead due to their lowly situation,” Crucero said.

Crucero, on the other hand, identified the hinterlands of Tapaz in Capiz; Miag-ao, Tubungan and Igbaras in Iloilo; and San Remegio in Antique as the rebel strongholds here in the island of Panay.

Crucero said, however, that while the communist rebels are busy organizing they are also doing their best to get close to the people by having community based activities like civic actions.

On the political crisis our country is facing, Crucero assured that they are neutral. He said despite the political bickerings in government they are solidifying themselves and vow not to indulge in politics.

Crucero, meanwhile, downplayed the alleged “young officers” who came out to demand for the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Crucero said there is no such thing as “young officers” and the group are only out to destabilize the government.