CPP orders NPA to strike enemies in towns, cities

For the 53rd founding anniversary of the outlawed New People’s Army, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-CC) on Monday ordered the NPA to deploy special armed units to strike at enemy weak points and local tyrants in towns and cities.

In its 20-page message to the NPA for the occasion, the CPP-CC noted that the “fascist criminal bosses” who are responsible for the increasing number of alleged extrajudicial killings and other crimes should be punished by the NPA to give justice to the victims.

“There is a public clamor for the revival of urban or rural-based units that can strike at the weak points of the enemy units and elements based in towns and cities, such as local tyrants and other bad elements and police units culpable for red-tagging, abducting, torturing and killing people with impunity,” they said.

The CPP further called on the NPA to launch “special tactical offensives” to disable the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) communication system and air assets.

They said this attack would “effectively sabotage the capabilities of the enemy wherever possible and carry out punitive measures against vulnerable enemy units and elements” that may prompt the AFP to reduce the number of its forces deployed against the guerrilla fronts.

The CPP also directed the NPA to carry “widespread punitive actions combined with blows to the head” within the guerrilla fronts as it may compel the military and police forces to be on the defensive.

For its part, the Department of National Defense pointed out that communist rebels were responsible for deaths and suffering.

“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,” said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Lorenzana added that there was more to be done to stop armed conflicts in the country.

Nevertheless, the Defense chief also pointed out that 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).

The NPA will mark its founding anniversary on March 29, Tuesday. — DVM, GMA News