NPA gains hundreds of
new supporters as 8th ID daydreams of “insurgency-free” region
Press Release
By Efren Martires Command, NPA-EV
January 6, 2012
The Efren Martires
Command of the New People's Army-Eastern Visayas today called 8th
Infantry Division chief Gen. Mario Chan as daydreaming of an
“insurgency-free” region while the NPA in fact is gaining hundreds of
new supporters despite Oplan Bayanihan's offensive. “Phony press
releases do not win a war; it is the people's support that is
decisive,” said Ka Ka Karlos Manuel, EMC spokesperson.
“In Leyte alone, which
the 8th ID proclaimed as “insurgency-free” in December, the NPA
organized at least 500 new revolutionary mass activists of peasants,
women and youth in three months even as Oplan Bayanihan began its
rampage. The NPA was also able to reach more barrios than ever in
Leyte. The revolutionary mass organizations of peasants, women and
youth constitute the mass base of the people's democratic government.
They support the armed struggle and from their ranks the the best sons
and daughters of the people are recruited into the NPA.
“The 8th ID may
connive with local officials for a semblance of support, but its
troops could not sway the people. For example, soldiers even threw a
lechon party and held basketball tournaments just to pad attendance to
its meetings in some villages in Leyte. Likewise, the Efren Martires
Command is confident of defeating Oplan Bayanihan and of gaining
strength in Samar, where the revolutionary movement has been deeply
rooted among the people far longer than in Leyte. ”
Manuel also accused
Gen. Chan of twisting facts to make it appear the NPA is causing a
reign of terror in Matuguinao town in
Western Samar. “The NPA respects and observes human rights and
international humanitarian law in giving the highest concern for
civilian lives. The NPA has nothing to do with the suspension of
classes in five elementary schools in Matuguinao as well as the
harassment of local officials.
“On the other hand,
the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan shows the continuing climate of
impunity for human rights and international humanitarian law under the
Aquino regime. For example, the 8th ID troops routinely base in
civilian communities and camp out in civilian buildings such as
schools, health centers and barangay centers. It should also be noted
the 8th ID will be basing a battalion, the 14th IB, in Matuguinao
which is a tiny town of some 5,000 residents. Now, who is the one
looking to strike fear in the hearts of the people with overwhelming
military presence?”
Meanwhile, the EMC
spokesperson also ridiculed Lt. Col. Niceforo Diaz, civil-military
operations chief of the 8th ID, for assailing the Dec. 20 NPA
offensive in Las Navas, Northern Samar. “The NPA is thankful that Col.
Diaz opened his mouth and removed all doubt that he is a fool. Let us
state the facts: The Aquino government declared a unilateral ceasefire
from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2. This was reciprocated by the NPA which
declared a unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.
But the 34th IB troops were still on military operations on Dec. 20,
which is why the NPA was able to ambush them, as the NPA ceasefire had
yet to begin. The 34th IB troops were therefore violating the Aquino
government's own ceasefire declaration, while the NPA offensive was
entirely legitimate, not only because there was no NPA ceasefire yet
but also as a punishment of the Aquino government troops who could not
keep their own word.”
