UNWELCOME. The City of Panabo in Davao del Norte officially declares the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army as persona non-grata on Monday (Dec. 2, 2019). Mayor Jose E. Relampagaos (4th from left) leads the declaration in accordance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70. (Photo courtesy of the City government of Panabo)
DAVAO CITY -- The city of Panabo in Davao del Norte officially declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) as persona non-grata or unwelcome on Monday.
Mayor Jose E. Relampagaos led the declaration, in accordance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70, which seeks to end communist armed conflicts in communities.
Relampagos described the declaration as a significant step towards ending NPA armed conflicts and to "raise a foundation for peace" in all communities in the city.
“Under my administration, I will not let my people get deceived by their ideologies and interest. I am more willing to help President Duterte to attain the peace that we are all hoping for,” he added.
Councilor Gregorio Uy Dujali III said the declaration was akin to "breaking the chain from suffering and freedom from the influence of manipulation and intimidation" of the communist rebel group.
“NPA should be deprived of taking even short advantages as they have been doing this for the last four decades and we need to be free from the terrorist and we will remain steadfast in our commitment for the future of our beloved city,” Dujali said.
Meanwhile, Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade, said that it the right time to stand up against the CPP-NDP-NPA as they have been harassing the civilians and the government for almost 50 years of their existence.
Mempin also praised the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for delivering the needed services, projects, and programs to various communities.
“Let’s all work together towards the attainment of long-lasting peace and development in all conflict-affected, conflict-vulnerable, and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he said.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Arbito D. Bernasor noted that the number of local government units declaring the NPA as unwelcome in their areas is increasing rapidly.
“This will continue to rise as the government is relentless in their efforts to end insurgency in the country,” Bernasor added. (PNA)
