NPA attacks further impoverish the poor

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte condemned the April 29 attacks in Davao on companies and a ranch owned by the Lorenzo family as “acts of terrorism” (“Rebels raid firms of Lorenzo clan,” News, 04/30/17) perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA). A security guard and a vendor were injured in those attacks. And she called the NPA a “terrorist organization.”

Mayor Duterte had earlier proposed localized talks with the communist rebels. But she said that she took the simultaneous attacks as “a personal insult,” especially because the city government had been supportive of the peace negotiations between the national government and the National Democratic Front which represents the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines in the peace talks.

“We condemn these acts committed by a group that pretends to champion social justice and equality. With its history of carrying out atrocities and its continued penchant for lawlessness and bloodbath, the NPA is an organization that is not worthy of our trust and respect,” the mayor added.

The attacks once again showed NPA’s true colors. This organization presents itself as pro-poor, promoting the cause of the marginalized. But the truth is, they are brutal and selfish bandits. With their ruthlessness, they push ordinary workers to the brink of poverty.

We ask: How many families have they rendered homeless and hungry after those attacks? The NPA rebels don’t care what happens to the poor for as long as they achieve what they want.

All “Dabawenyos” and peace-loving Filipinos should join Mayor Duterte’s condemnation of the NPAs.

JOEL A SUAREZ,
[email protected]