IN LIGHT of the New People's Army (NPA) initiated attacks in Davao City, a group of lawyers expressed disappointment over the violence caused by the former to civilians near the area.
“With legal remedies available to seek redress of grievances, there is neither reason nor justification for any person or organization to resort to violence,” writes Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao Chapter President Lawyer Rogelio Largo in a statement sent to SunStar Davao on Sunday, May 7.
The IBP pertains to the attack in Lapanday Foods Corporation packing plant in Mandug, Davao City. It was bombed at dawn on April 29, at the time when the Philippines was hosting the 30th Asean Summit in Manila.
In the same statement, Largo added that they strongly condemn the coordinated attacks against companies in Davao City.
The Macondray Plastic Plant in Barangay Bunawan was also attacked and security guards were disarmed, while three high-powered firearms were seized from the Lorenzo Ranch in Barangay Pangyan, Calinan.
"The perpetrators damaged properties, disrupted operations and injured some persons. An innocent fish vendor Larry Buenafe was even killed," he added.
A civilian, Larry Buenafe, who happened to pass through the area to deliver his fish produce to his customers, was hit by a landmine planted by the NPA. He was declared in a state of comatose when he arrived at the hospital but died after four days.
There were also two fatalities at the side of the communist rebels as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) quickly responded to the attack in Calinan.
The IBP-Davao City Chapter reiterates its unwavering support to the on-going efforts of the government to find a lasting solution to the decades-old insurgency and peace and order problems of the country and condemns all acts that tend to undermine the on-going peace process.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also expressed her dismay over the attacks launched by the rebels whom she previously offered jobs.
“The attacks on Saturday and the death of Larry today should always remind us of the twistedness of an ideology and the monsters behind it, how they employ fear and terror in their attempt to cloak their insignificance and the obsolescence of their political belief,” the mayor said.
"The 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion NPA-SMR (Southern Mindanao Regional) victoriously launched three simultaneous tactical offensives in Davao City against the Lorenzo-owned companies and ranch," said NPA-SMR Spokesperson Rigoberto Sanchez in a statement.
The IBP previously provided legal assistance to the lumad (Indigenous People) evacuees in UCCP Haran.