NON-BELIEVER OF NPA IDEOLOGY. A social media post by the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion on Friday (May 10, 2019) shows children in San Miguel village, Las Navas, Northern Samar removing anti-government propaganda material posted by the New People's Army. The military said children taking down the posters of rebels is proof that the young generation no longer believes the ‘rotten communist’ ideology. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th Infantry Battalion)
TACLOBAN CITY -- Children taking down propaganda materials posted by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar is proof that young generations reject the “rotten ideology” of the communist terrorist group, the Philippine Army said.
In a social media post Friday, the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion said children in poor communities, such as in San Miguel village, Las Navas town, Northern Samar province, are now aware of the atrocities, lies, and deception of communist rebels.
The recent deaths of nine-year-old Armando Jay Raymunde and San Miguel village chief, Apolinario Lebico, have sparked public outrage against the communist rebels in Las Navas. The child died after rebels detonated a landmine while the village official was gunned down by NPAs while on board a motorcycle.
After the two incidents, the terror group has been throwing issues against the military to impress the public that soldiers are anti-poor, fascist, and human rights violators.
Anti-government propaganda materials have been posted by NPA supporters in the upland communities of Las Navas, a fourth-class town located 330 km. north of Tacloban, the regional capital.
“The communist terrorists are afraid that they can no longer manipulate the people should economic development continue in San Miguel village,” the Army said in a statement. “These children took down the posters of rebels as they no longer believe the rotten communist ideology.”
The military urged rebels to give up their armed struggle than continue hiding in the mountains while their leaders enjoy a luxurious life in the cities, utilizing their extorted money.
“Your Army in Northern Samar is very much willing to assist and embrace you, should you opt to return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful life,” the statement further said.
The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
