CPP/NPA-EV: Simultaneous NPA offensives punish abusive, warmongering AFP in Eastern Visayas

NPA-EV propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 5): Simultaneous NPA offensives punish abusive, warmongering AFP in Eastern Visayas

NPA-Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) (Efren Martires Command)

5 April 2017

The Efren Martires Command in Eastern Visayas commended the Red fighters of the New People’s Army for successfully carrying four simultaneous tactical offensives in the region last March 30. “We congratulate the Red fighters for their successful offensives in Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar; Paranas and Motiong in Samar; and Burauen, Leyte,” said the NPA’s regional operations command. “We confirm that after an exchange of gunfire, Red fighters of the Efren Martires Command were able to control the CAA paramilitary camp in Barangay Geparayan, Silvino Lobos, and confiscate one M60 machine gun, one R4 rifle, five M1 Garand rifles, four carbines and one handheld radio.

“The NPA is also unaware of any civilian casualties as the offensive was done with due regard for the safety of civilians. While in the course of withdrawing, the NPA also successfully defended against an enemy counter-attack and retreated with all forces intact. However, the NPA condemns the pursuing fascist military for the forced evacuations of the peasant masses in nearby Lope de Vega town.”

“On the same day, Red fighters of the NPA’s Northeastern-Central Samar Subregional Command successfully harassed two 52nd Infantry Battalion CAA paramilitary camps in Motiong, where a soldier was reported wounded, and in Barangay Pequit, Paranas. These soldiers and paramilitaries have long records of abusing civilians and involvement in illegal drugs and armed robberies in the area. Meanwhile, in Burauen, Leyte, initial reports say Red fighters also successfully harassed a paramilitary camp.”

The Efren Martires Command also criticized the AFP for posturing for peace while carrying out brutal military operations that violate human rights and protect mining, landgrabbing and environmental destruction by the imperialists and the comprador-landlord oligarchy. “These tactical offensives punish the AFP for its continuing impunity for human rights violations and sabotaging of the peace process between the GRP and NDFP.

“The AFP makes a mockery of the peace talks through its new counterinsurgency program, Oplan Kapayapaan, another rehash of combat, intelligence and psywar attacks against the people’s revolutionary struggle. While the peace talks are ongoing, the NPA is always ready to defend the people against the AFP and other peace spoilers who resist basic reforms and instead want to step up oppressing and exploiting the Filipino people.”

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170405-simultaneous-npa-offensives-punish-abusive-warmongering-afp-in-eastern-visayas