CPP/Ang Bayan: COPD is part of AFP combat operations

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): COPD is part of AFP combat operations

The declaration by the US-Aquino regime of a Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) from December 18, 2014 to January 19, 2015 is a big sham since it does not cover the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD). This was National Democratic Front-Mindanao spokesperson Ka Oris’ reaction to the declaration.

In a statement dated December 17, Ka Oris pointed out that COPD operations are aimed at the brutal suppression of the people in the countryside and preventing them from launching struggles to advance their welfare. They form part of AFP combat operations in areas where the revolutionary movement is believed to operate and are attempts to deprive the New People’s Army (NPA) of political and material support.
According to Ka Oris, COPD operations are widespread and intense all throughout Mindanao. They are the leading cause of violations of human rights and international rules of war.

They include the following practices:

1) Violations of the rules of war that protect civilians by distancing them from armed clashes and ensuring their security. Under the COPD, AFP elements forcibly occupy public structures and community centers such as barangay halls, schools, health centers and the private homes of individuals.

 

2) Implementing a type of economic blockade by limiting the volume of basic goods purchased by the people on suspicion that they share these goods with the NPA.

 

3) Forcibly recruiting men into paramilitary forces like the CAFGU, CAA or Tribal Force through psywar and/or intimidation and harassment.

 

4) Curtailing the people’s mobility by limiting the time allowed for them to tend to their farms on the suspicion that the peasants use their “spare time” to report to, or link up with, the NPA.

 

5) Propagating antisocial activities such as gambling, drinking and using illegal drugs in the villages.

 

6) Raping and sexually harassing women.

 

7) Coercing individuals into admitting membership in, or of leading, the revolutionary movement in the area and forcing them to join activities to dismantle revolutionary organizations in the community.

 

8) Forcing individuals to join counterrevolutionary organizations such as certain Lumad groups or the “Alsa Masa.”

 

9) Intensely terrorizing and intimidating residents, which often culminates in their forced evacuation from their communities.

 

Aside from Mindanao, COPD operations are likewise widespread in guerrilla zones in Luzon and the Visayas. In December, the AFP announced that Northern Samar would be the main arena for COPD.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/copd-is-part-of-afp-combat-operations