Lorenzana hits recent attacks by NPAs

May 1, 2017

The Department of National Defense condemns the recent attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City. “We vehemently condemn the recent attacks perpetrated by the New People's Army in Davao City.   Because of this we will able to their real image. They just confirmed without a doubt their terrorist designation,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement. “They also confirmed my accusations that they are anti-progress, anti-development, and anti-people. They continue these heinous acts even while their comrades in the NDF and other legal fronts talk about peace,” he added. Lorenzana said their violent activities, only shows lack of sincerity on the peace negotiation with the Philippine government. “The attacks in Davao and other crimes done by the NPA also make the Filipino people question the sincerity of the entire communist movement to push for peace, since it seems everything is just lip service and double talk,” he said. “It also brings to light the disconnect and lack of communication between the National Democratic Front (NDF), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and its cadres on the ground,” he added. Lorenzana said “that for the peace talks to succeed, government must be talking to the real representatives of the communist movement.” “There must be an assurance that we are dealing with the actual leaders of their organization and not just some figureheads who are devoid of any control or influence,” he said. Lorenzana expressed his message for the people who are helping the government on its fight against the rebels as well as to those who were allegedly blinded or were recruited by the communist group. “We call on the Filipino people to continue resisting and openly condemning these communist terrorists who have the gall to challenge President Rodrigo Duterte's resolve to bring peace and build a nation that is worthy of the Filipino people,” he said. “To our brothers who were deceived and recruited to this terrorist, there is still a chance to lay down your arms and return to the government folds. Do not let the leaders used your blood and sweat to get rich and leave wealthy life in Philippine and in other country,” he added. (Robina Asido/DMS)