CPP: Statement on the January 27 La Castellana incident

From the CPP Website (Feb 9): Statement on the January 27 La Castellana incident

The CPP fully acknowledges the self-criticism of the Central Negros Front Operations Command (Leonardo Panaligan Command) of the New People’s Army and its decision to indemnify the family of the civilians who were caught in the crossfire that broke out last January 27 at Barrio Puso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Concerned parties who were aggrieved in the course of the La Castellana incident can seek redress under the Rules of the NPA, the policies of the Democratic People’s Government and provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

It is an outstanding policy of the NPA to give prime consideration to the welfare and safety of civilians at all times. Such a policy compel the NPA to suspend or call-off an ambush or some other armed action in the face of even the slightest possibility that a civilian might get hurt.

In the face of the vagaries of war, it is praiseworthy for the NPA-LPC to acknowledge and make amends for its shortcomings. By acknowledging its shortcomings, the NPA-LPC can continue to strengthen its unity with the people. Such self-criticism and rectification is the mark of a true army of the people. It is an assurance that the NPA will work hard to prevent such errors in the future.

At the same time, the CPP denounces the Aquino regime and the AFP for its policy of endangerment and targeting of civilians in the course of its Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression . The NPA should work doubly hard to defend the lives and welfare of the people in the face of the determined effort of the Aquino regime to oppose the growth of the people’s war.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/statement-on-the-january-27-la-castellana-incident