ComVal declares NPA 'persona non grata'

DAVAO CITY – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Compostela Valley has declared the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata.

Provincial Information Officer Fe Maestre said the PPOC passed the resolution during its meeting in Nabunturan last Friday, and has submitted it to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Compostela Valley became the second local government unit (LGU) to declare the communist organization persona non grata for its "criminal acts and violations of international humanitarian law."

The resolution said the province condemns the activities of the communist guerillas "related to insurgency, violent extremism, criminal acts and violations of international humanitarian codes."

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said the Comvalenyos condemn the armed activities of the NPA as they have cost many lives in the province.

"We only want to live a peaceful life in a prosperous community," Uy said.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID), said the two guerrilla fronts operating in Compostela Valley have already been "weakened."

Lamosao said on Monday Guerilla Fronts 52 and 33 have been "pushed to the boundaries because of continued focused operations of the troops and the surrender of its regular members and supporters."

Last week, the municipal council of Talaingod also declared the NPA and its mother organization – the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) --persona non grata.

The resolution said the CPP-NPA's presence in the town has driven out businesses and potential investors.

The local government's move ensued after the Tribal Council of Talaingod late last year declared the NPA and its legal fronts persona non grata inside tribal lands.

Major Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., 10th ID commander, said the move of the IP leaders and local officials reflect "the people’s desire for peace in their community and the people’s awareness on the CPP-NPA deception and atrocities."

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States. (PNA)