CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- A top military official in Mindoro said Monday the successful offensives by government forces, which recently resulted in the overrunning of a rebel lair in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, has confirmed long-suspected links between the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) to the Makabayan bloc in Congress.
Recovered were documents and subversive materials that showed the communist group's communication with Makabayan legislators, who are now campaigning for Congressional seats.
Col. Marceliano Teofilo, commander of the Army's 203rd Brigade that has operational jurisdiction in Mindoro island, said one of the retrieved documents was a letter of self-exiled CPP chair Joma Sison addressed to Gabriela party-list officials.
“I am wondering how this Gabriela party-list (group) keeps on denying that they are not allied with CPP-NPAs when in fact, Joma Sison, is sending letters directly to them. We need enlightenment on this,” Teofilo said.
He said recent victories scored in the field by government troops were made possible with valuable intelligence information provided by citizens who are often abused by the NPA terrorists.
Among the communist rebels' recent atrocities were the burning of heavy construction equipment owned by Santa Clara Hydro-electric Corporation, as well as the harassment of re-electionist Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Sato.
Communist terrorists have also been tagged in the kidnapping of CAFGU member Reynante Malupa as well as the killings of Jun-jun Ysog, Kenndey Aquino and Jose Barera, all of them described by the military as innocent civilians who opposed the NPA’s oppression in their area.
“We will not tolerate these atrocities against people and community especially on our brother Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who are defenseless. I encourage peace-loving Mindoreños to stand up and fight against these abusive NPAs, stop to their extortion activities. We, your Philippine Army and Philippine National Police will help you out on this endeavor,” Teofilo added.
The NPA, armed wing of the CPP, has been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
