Lorenzana on NPA anniversary: There is more to be done to stop armed conflicts

On the eve of the 53rd founding anniversary of the outlawed New People’s Army, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday that there is more to be done to stop armed conflicts in the country.

“There is more to be done. Even as we enjoy the dividends of peace, we continue our mission to secure our communities, encourage CPP-NPA members to avail of the E-CLIP, and finally put a stop to the decades-long communist armed conflicts in the country,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

He expressed hope that the next administration will continue the government’s peace initiatives.

The Department of National Defense recalled the deaths and suffering supposedly caused by the communist rebels.

“Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology,” Lorenzana said.

According to him, thousands of rebels who surrendered to the government have received assistance to become productive members of society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“They have given their firearms in exchange for more peaceful tools of trade, and I am encouraged by the success stories of our former rebels,” he said.

The NPA will mark its founding anniversary on March 29, Tuesday. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News