War against CPP/NPA

RECENT spate of CPP/NPA attacks, both on military and police outposts, as well as the burning of civilian construction machineries in Bulacan, should warn government of the futility of re-engaging anew the stalled peace talks with this terrorist group. When President Gloria Arroyo suspended last year all forms of front and back channel negotiations with them, this was a correct and timely policy initiative taken by the government. We feel then that peace talks should instead be directed to the still partly ideological MILF while taking a strong presence against the hated Abu Sayyaf in the Mindanao war theater. Now that the KFR-terrorist Abus appears to be in tactical disarray, and the MILF leadership decided to temporarily hibernate because of current strong US anti-terrorist stand, the mostly Luzon-based CPP/NPA has recently taken a series of high-profile attacks, NOT due to its newfound strength, BUT precisely because the group is much weakened now. Thus, to re-open negotiations with the CPP/NPA now is a big tactical blunder --- one that can obviously weaken the momentum so far gained since the US, Britain and Netherlands labeled the group as international terrorists. (Ironically, the Philippine government did so only two days ago.) The heat is now being felt by its exiled leaders, and out of sheer desperation, its foot soldiers (who should know better) are in effect emphatizing with their “stake” commando leaders in Ultrecht.

Jose Ma. Sison, the high priest of the local communist/terrorist group, was a pathetic figure two weeks ago complaining about the cut in his social welfare benefits from the government of Netherlands. He reported about being ejected from the comfort of the house he is occupying and the freezing of his bank accounts. Equally dismaying to his disciples was when he even hinted of a possible “retirement” from the leadership of the local communist movement.

But since when has the brave leader of an avowed revolutionary movement, sworn to liberate the toiling Filipino masses from clerico/fascist and imperialist exploitation, thought of retiring from this grand scam that has caused miseries to countless lives and families? Mao Zedong, Ho Chi Minh, Che Guevarra and Lenin --- great and true revolutionaries --- must be turning in their graves hearing Sison’s virtual plea for mercy from his enemies and the “exploitative” system. With his recent pronouncements, Sison unmasked his straw nature --- an old and weakling leader whose erudition for words and propaganda is not matched by real guts and courage.

The local pawns in Sison’s communist game, epitomized by the diminutive Gregorio Rosal, should realize by now the futility of carrying on a war of “liberation” through force. Three communists are now sitting in Congress (Lower House) --- along with some pinkish fellow travellers --- who have earned the sobriquet of being called “honorable.” They are now lavishly spending taxpayers’ money through their respective CDFs (pork barrel), even as they continue advancing their communist agenda via the legal struggle. They now share and breathe the same air as the hated bourgeoisie, hobnob with other anti-government groups, and continue hugging occasional hypes from uncritical and gullible media practitioners.

Gregorio Rosal, the NPA spokesman, reacting to reports of military preparedness against NPA attacks on civilian establishments, was reported to have said: “We have no such plans to attack civilian targets….The military is the source of this speculation. They only want to scare themselves.” Yet in equal breath, he admitted that “NPA rebels were behind arson attacks on the equipments of private companies refusing to pay revolutionary taxes” --- referring obviously to recent NPA burning of construction machineries in Bulacan.

This is plain communist double talk. Did not Sison earlier order the bombing of Napocor plants and other power and communication facilities in answer to what he considers as government’s all out war against them? Why target civilians and civilian infrastructure facilities which have nothing to do with their war of attrition against military and police establishments? DND Secretary Angelo Reyes correctly termed such policy directive as “terrorist” in nature, and far from being due to some profound ideological considerations.

Thus, there is truth to the observation that the CPP/NPA has lost its ideological mantle and justification. The so-called “revolutionary” tax is just another term for extortion and blackmail --- in the same way that ransom payment is considered “boarding and lodging” fee for kidnap victims by kidnappers.

The communists are now on the run. This is not the time for prevarication, to doubt, or to even re-open the stalled peace talks with them. *

Reprinted with permission from the author and the Manila Times.

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You may email the author at ernie@philippinestoday.net.