Commentary: NPA burning of properties, a clear terrorist act

It is not justice that the New People's Army (NPA) are fighting for, but in truth… their thrust is violence and fear as a way to control the people!

The recent atrocity that the NPA did to Barangay Ladgaron, Claver, Surigao del Norte and Barangay Salvacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur and in the many areas that they unleash terror, is evident that they are deceiving the people of the cause that they are advocating - a new Philippines that is united, just and prosperous.

The NPA claims to be fighting for freedom, justice and unity but they are the very ones who steal the freedom of the people by replacing it with fear. They burn transport vehicles, transmission equipment, and attack peaceful barangays among the other terrorist activities that they conduct…instilling fear among the masses…the masses they claim they are protecting.

Caraga Police Director PCSUPT Jaime Eloreta Milla, CEO VI strongly condemned the recent burning of transmission tower in Claver, Surigao del Norte and burning of ten-wheeler truck in Trento, Agusan del Sur, clarifying that it is a clear terrorist act by the rebel group.

RD Milla ordered immediate deployment of troops following the incident in the areas. Personnel from nearby police stations and mobile group made a blockade to possible escape routes of rebels, while elements of Philippine Army are conducting hot pursuit operations to the fleeing rebels. Police Stations in the region were alerted for possible attacks of NPA. RD Milla calls on the community particularly the businesspersons to immediately report to nearest police station any extortion activities by the NPA, so the police can take immediate action on the matter.

He added that the PNP is now in the active support to the AFP in compliance with Executive Order No. 546, directing the police to actively support the Philippine Army in Internal Security Operations for the suppression of insurgency and other serious threats to national security. The principle of coordination and integration of efforts requires the military and police to work cohesively in order to ensure a focused, effective and holistic approach in addressing insurgency in the region.

What will happen to our homeland if the rebels continue in sowing terror? What progress or improvement we can expect?

We cannot afford to let these criminals continue in their actions and they don't deserve the support of the community, they just only give false hope. The NPA is not a better judge on what is right and wrong. Their ways and strategies bring chaos and havoc to the citizenry especially that they do not submit to the laws. They steal the future of the youth by polluting their minds, brainwashing to join them and putting them in the frontline of their so-called war, and deprive them of living the good and successful lives that they should have. In short, they damage families and destroy properties.

The Philippine National Police call upon all people to be alert at all times and be quick to inform the authorities especially if there's suspicious activities in their community. Communities are warned not to believe too easily on any forums or recruitment activities by NPA. Let's fight these terrorists' acts by being vigilant and supportive to authorities and the laws of the land. We only have one country. Let us protect it from the NPA. (PSI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-PRO-13)

Share: