Res Gestae
Not People's Army(?) 2
(Last of two parts)
I could be biased in my impressions with the NPA. I could be wrong in my assessment on the actuations of Manong Dino and Manong Ritchie, et al. I might not have properly adjudged Tatay's sentiments; but, who could speak best of my own experiences?
Every time I heard of NPA's terror plans against the government, the more they are losing my confidence with all their promises of reforming the government. I could not comprehend why they have to destroy government installations and economic key points, kill members of AFP or PNP and burn facilities and equipment of either government or private agencies every time they celebrate their founding anniversary. Couldn't they make other ways to drumbeat their presence and establish a character that they remain a force to reckon with? Ka Rosal admitted in a press release that the NPA was behind the Calinog, Iloilo and Quezon Province atrocities. He also announced that those were just preliminaries as they inch towards their 36th founding anniversary on December 26. Otherwise stated, more attacks... more killings... chaotic Christmas await us!
I can't question the noble intention that caused the existence of the New People's Army. Like any other rebel groups, the NPA was born out of the growing disillusionment on our leaders' promise of good governance. They are victims of empty promises. But does it justify their perilous means of showing their discontent?
The NPA came into being with the desire of its founding members to put an end in the grave injustice and gross violation of human rights looming during the dark ages of martial law. The mind-boggling infractions of the law and disregard to dignity and worth of the Filipino people during the military rule had given meaning to the existence of the NPA. But look at what they do nowadays. They rejoice for the many destructions - both in human lives and properties - they brought in our land.
***
In the PRESS STATEMENT OF THE GRP PANEL FOR TALKS WITH THE CPP/NPN/NDF last 23 November 2005, it clearly shows the paradox of the so-called 'New People's Army' . Here is what GRP Panel says....
We view with sadness and regret, the salutary message of the Communist Party of the Philippines to its New People's Army congratulating the guerrillas for its 'string of successful tactical offensives' in the past two weeks.
We are appalled on how such a killing spree and consequent human suffering perpetuated on Filipinos by Filipinos can be regarded as an occasion for celebration.
We view with particular alarm, the New People's Army use of landmines in its assault against government troops. The GRP considers the use of any kind of landmines as a violation of the spirit and letter of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) signed by the GRP and the NDF on 16 March 1998.
Part III, Article 2 of the CARHRIHL reads: 'This agreement seeks to confront, remedy and prevent the most serious human rights violations in terms of civil and political rights, as well as to uphold, protect and promote the full scope of human rights and fundamental freedom including: The right not to be subjected to forced evacuations, food and other forms of economic blockades and indiscriminate bombings, shellings, strafing, gunfire and the use of landmines.'
The CARPHRIHL clearly and deliberately does not distinguish between victim-detonated and command-detonated landmines. However, the CPP defends the use of landmines by citing international conventions.
We likewise condemn the NPA's persistent attacks on civilian targets such as Globe cell sites, which is also a violation of CARHRIHL Part IV, Article 4, item 4 states:
'Civilian population and civilians shall be treated as such and shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack. They shall likewise be protected against indiscriminate aerial bombardment, strafing, artillery fire, motor fire, arson, bulldozing and other similar forms of destroying lives and property, from the use of explosives as well as stockpiling near or in their midst, and use of chemical and biological weapons'.
We question the National Democratic Front's good faith when it interprets the straightforward language of the CARHRIHL to justify its violations and mangle the spirit and letter of this sacred Agreement.
Now, tell me that the New People's Army has indeed worked for the PEOPLE!
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