Do Reds know meaning of ‘overkill’?

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was reported in the media to have said that the arrival and presence of members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol was orchestrated by the United States. And they condemned the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Bohol, describing the same as an “overkill.”

Does CPP know the meaning of the word “overkill”? Look who’s complaining. Recall the June 25, 1989 massacre of 40 people in Digos, Davao del Sur. Most of the victims were children heartlessly gunned down while attending a Sunday Mass. Pastor Ruben Ayap and his brother were reportedly beheaded because the village leaders refused to cooperate with killers. The NPA general command later claimed responsibility for the mass murder.

NPA elements continue to commit similar atrocities without remorse, very much like terrorists. Aside from killing civilians, they have ventured into other lawless activities like arson, extortion, robbery and kidnapping. Sadly, up to now, rural folks remain “indifferent” towards their abuses.

When will the people take an active role in condemning the CPP-NPA, and not just the Abu Sayyaf? Must a series of massacres for people to do this? The fight against the CPP-NPA is not just the duty of our government. It is the concern of every Filipinos who abhor cruelty. If we will not raise even just our voice against their brutality, then the efforts to eliminate these rebels-turned-bandits will be all in vain.

Let’s not be deaf and blind.

ANN R. AQUINO,  [email protected]