Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)
MANILA – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday said the National Democratic Front (NDF) continues to weaken as Filipinos persistently expose the evils perpetrated by the communist terrorist group.
The defense chief’s statement came as the NDF observed its 48th founding anniversary Saturday. He went on to blame the organization for all the violence and atrocities committed by its armed wing, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).
"The NDF and its member organizations continue to weaken as Filipinos have unmasked their lies and rapaciousness. Enabling communist terrorists, the NDF must be held liable for the violence and destruction wrought by the CPP-NPA," he said in a statement.
The NDF, established on April 24, 1973 was called a "revolutionary united front organization of the Filipino people fighting for national freedom and for the democratic rights of the people."
Lorenzana called the existence of the NDF a bane for its members as it could no longer ignore the fact that the government continuously enjoys the support of the people, while the political wing of CPP-NPA continues to fade into oblivion.
"Their discredited ideology has never received significant support from the people nor has it contributed an iota of good to the country," he added.
As a sign of extreme desperation, Lorenzana said NDF and its remaining allies would resort to more heinous acts to undermine the country's democracy and way of life.
"We, therefore, call on our people to remain vigilant against the duplicity of these terrorists,” he said.
He also urged the Filipinos to do their share by “supporting the reintegration of our kababayans (countrymen) who were led astray by the CPP-NPA-NDF.”
“Now is the time for us to heal our nation, reconcile our differences, and unite for our lasting peace and progress," he added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
