This is in reference to the news article, “Reds following own ceasefire sked, says Joma” (Second Front Page, 1/3/14).
The article referred to the Dec. 31, 2014, statement of Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, which condemned the recent atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
In the interest of clarifying the context and intent of Secretary Deles’ statement, we respectfully note that it did not refer to the ceasefire violations of the CPP/NPA/NDF, but to their violation of the Christmas/holiday spirit by perpetrating “acts of senseless violence,” especially during a season “when our people desire and expect peace and goodwill.”
More importantly, the atrocities—ranging from attacks against civilians (for resisting extortion demands from the NPA) to shooting pointblank members of the security forces, who were unarmed and in civilian clothes, while on their way to join their families for the holidays—are an affront to human rights and international humanitarian law, which covers civilians and combatants alike.
It is unfortunate that the communist rebels would cover up their atrocities by simply using technicalities. Respect for everyone’s rights knows no ceasefire schedule, time nor space. Protection of human rights should be assured for our people regardless of the season.
It is condemnable that the government’s unilateral, month-long suspension of military and police operations—meant to give way to a peaceful and joyous celebration toward welcoming a hope-filled new year—was yet again trampled upon by senseless violence by the CPP/NPA/NDF against the people.
Calls for peace should not remain a lip-service. We continue to challenge the CPP/NPA/NDF to match their words with concrete actions that would deliver the brand of peace that would be felt on the ground. Echoing Secretary Deles’ statement: “There is no way to peace but through peace.”
—POLLY MICHELLE CUNANAN,
communications director,
Office of the Presidential Adviser
on the Peace Process,
pollycunanan.opapp@gmail.com