BRIGADIER General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army, slammed the New People’s Army (NPA) during its 50th anniversary Friday, saying that violence, killing and extortion are never worth celebrating.
“Causing misery and destruction to our country for half a century is not a reason to celebrate,” Arevalo said.
He also said that the recent apprehension of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Francisco “Frank” Fernandez and his wife Cleofe Lagtapon in Laguna does not give them a reason to celebrate.
The local military considered their apprehension as a drastic demoralization among the NPA members. It will dwindle their armed capability and will to fight.
Arevalo consistently urged the NPAs to return to the fold of the law because the NDF is just manipulating them for selfish interests.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NDF is only sowing discontent and hatred against the government and the society, he continued.
It is not yet too late but don’t wait until it’s too late, Arevalo also said.
He assured the NPAs that the military will still extend its hands of reconciliation to those who want to have a second chance of living normal lives.
Meanwhile, the rebel group saluted all party cadres and members, commanders, fighters, all revolutionary forces, and the exploited and oppressed Filipino masses during their golden anniversary, as they are driven by the desire to defend the people and advance their aspirations.
The group honored all the heroes and martyrs of the people’s war who gave their lives for a revolutionary cause.
The achievements of the past 50 years could not have been accomplished without their sacrifices. Their names will forever be etched in the annals of the Filipino people’s epic resistance, the group said in a press statement.