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Lorenzana tells Makabayan Bloc: Condemn CPP-NPA, we'll stop linking you to them


Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday dared the progressive Makabayan Bloc to condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), and the military will stop linking them to the communist rebels.

"It's our job to protect the country from dismemberment, rebellion, that's why we are fighting the CPP-NPA. I would like the Makabayan Bloc, condemn the CPP-NPA. Hindi niyo kino-condemn e," Lorenzana said during the budget briefing of the Department of National Defense (DND) with the House Committee on Appropriations.

"Condemn the CPP-NPA, stop these atrocities, condemn 'yung armed struggle na sinasabi ni Joma Sison and we will also stop what we are doing," he added. 

 

 

During the hearing, Lorenzana claimed that they possess "evidence" showing the links of the Makabayan organizations being used by the CPP-NPA to strengthen their ranks.

He also said they see members of the Makabayan Bloc joining rallies meant to cause disturbance.

"Nakikita namin diyan na kapag may nagra-rally diyan, meron diyan 'yung CPP-NPA na flag, 'yung sickle and hammer. Nandoon din 'yun ibang grupo. So ano ang pagkakaintindi namin diyan? They are supporting CPP-NPA," Lorenzana said.

The defense secretary's remarks irked Makabayan lawmakers including ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago and Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate.

"Ang problema ko sa DND, pinagsasama nila 'yung combatant at mga non-combatant. So lahat ng mag-o-oppose, lahat ng magra-rally ay tinuturing na terorista," Castro said.

Elago, meanwhile, challenged Lorenzana to show her the evidence he has proving the links between the Makabayan organizations and CPP-NPA.

"Kung may ganyan kayong mga pictures at sinasabi niyo kanina na you have evidence, ipakita niyo sa representasyon na ito ngayon. Kasi ang ginagawa niyo lang, these are very dangerous statements, dangerous claims. Para kayong nagwi-witch-hunt sa mga kabataan," she said.

Zarate, for his part, took exception to Lorenzana's "blanket accusations," saying that in his three terms in Congress, the DND has yet to provide them the evidence that Makabayan organizations are linked to the CPP-NPA.

"This is my third term in Congress. I have been advocating for a lot of issues. And here we are, you are issuing blanket statements na meron kaming ebidensiya na nanggugulo," he said.

But Lorenzana said the supposed red-tagging of Makabayan Bloc members did not start from them, claiming that it was CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison who actually said that the Makabayan groups are being used as "front organizations" of the CPP-NPA.

"Kung saan marami 'yung NPA, nandoon din kayo, nagtatayo kayo ng mga activities niyo doon. You do not condemn the killings, atrocities of the CPP-NPA," Lorenzana said.

"Kapag nanunog sila ng equipment, silent lang kayo. How can we now dissociate you from this group when you keep quiet?" he added.

Members of the Makabayan Bloc have earlier filed a complaint against Lorenzana and other defense officials before the Commission on Elections for allegedly engaging in partisan political activity during the 2019 midterm elections despite being prohibited by law.

They accused Lorenzana and several generals and personnel of coercion, threats, intimidation and terrorism, and use of public funds for the election campaign. —KG, GMA News

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