DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)
MANILA – There is nothing wrong with tarpaulins set up in various parts of Metro Manila that condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday.
"I believe that these tarpaulins are expressions or manifestations of citizens or certain groups that they are already fed up with abuses and atrocities perpetrated by the CPP/NPA/NDF (National Democratic Front)," he told the Philippine News Agency.
Año was referring to tarpaulins and banners declaring the CPP-NPA and its allies as 'persona non grata' in various parts of the National Capital Region.
Año said it also sends a clear message to the communist terrorists that they are no longer welcome in Metro Manila.
"I welcome such kinds of expression to send the message to the members of CPP/NPA/NDF that they are not welcome in the National Capital Region just like what the constituents of other provinces, cities, and municipalities all over the country did. It's time for the communist rebels to go back to the fold of the law and start a peaceful and productive life," he added.
Año, meanwhile, said he respects Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso's order to take down these tarpaulins in the city.
"As to the action of Mayor Isko Moreno, he must have his own reasons but I would encourage LCEs (local chief executives) to allow it. As I said, these tarpaulins are peaceful expressions of our people. If you are not a member of the CPP/NPA/NDF then you have nothing to worry about," Año said.
Both the Philippine National Police and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict denied involvement in putting these banners.
Various provinces, cities, and municipalities in the country have earlier passed resolutions declaring the communist terrorists as 'persona non grata'. (PNA)
