THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non-grata in this city.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Al Victor Espino, was approved during the regular session of the City Council on Wednesday, December 4.

Espino, chairperson of the city council committee on police matters, said that in accordance with the Executive Order No. 16 (s. 2017) adopted the National Security Policy 2017-2022, which calls for the end of all armed threats in the Philippines and recognizes that internal socio-political stability rests upon healing the rifts that divide the nation by promoting participatory governance, synergy of government development efforts, and enhancing the participation and responsibilities of local government units (LGUs).

He said Executive Order No. 70 (s. 2018) provides for institutionalizing the Whole-Of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and directing the adoption of a national peace framework.

“There is a need to reframe and refocus the government policy for achieving inclusive and sustainable peace by recognizing that insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats are not only military and security concerns, but are symptomatic of broader social, economic and historical problems, such as poverty, historical injustice, social inequality, and lack of inclusivity, among others,” he added.

Espino noted that Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy; the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy; and the State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.

Espino said there is a need for a united and concerted effort with the police, military and civilian population for the prevention and deterrence of any terrorism, insurgency, and highly organized crimes in the City and Province.

He said the atrocities perpetrated by the communist- terrorist group does not only disturbed the socio- economic status of the City and the Province but more importantly it hinders its goal in achieving peace and order.

“To contribute to the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, there is a need to declare the CPP-NPA as persona non-grata,” he added.