Group lauds gov't for action on communist groups

 Posted to the Manila Standard (Dec 29, 2020): Group lauds gov't for action on communist groups

The group Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) has praised the government for passing a resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army, and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as terrorist organizations.

In a yearend message, LIPI Secretary General Jose Antonio “Ka Pep” Goitia said the fight "is not over" as the nation "must stand by its duly elected government against those who threaten our democracy."

"We must declare in one voice that we reject the evil which is the CPP-NPA-NDF and its associated organizations such as Makabayan, Bayan and Gabriela. We reject the lies, the hate and the demand to transform our free society to communism. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas," Goitia said.

During the past few months, he said the LIPI, together with the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) and other groups, had been in the forefront in condemning the violent extremism and radical ideology of the CPP-NPA and its legal fronts in the NDF, Makabayan, Bayan, Gabriela among others.

"Our multisectoral group had been working tirelessly to raise awareness among Filipinos that we must not tolerate nor permit the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts to destroy the fabric of our nation. The union we all share under our constitution in order for us to form a culturally rich and socially cohesive society," Goitia said.

"Despite the danger our actions may pose to our lives, we forged ahead to inform the public of the truth -- the truth that will save the Republic, its citizens, and especially the youth from lies and deception machinated by destabilizers and terrorists who are dangerous and perennial liars," he added.

Goitia said LIPI's efforts gained traction in the following:

1) Held indignation rallies in schools where recruitment among students are high.

2) Posted banners around Metro Manila condemning the actions of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts.

3) Reached out to the media to convey their messages. "We appreciate the coverage we received from them," Goitia said.

4) Observed a strong response from netizens in social media denouncing the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts. "Engagement on anti-communism is at an all-time high in Facebook and Twitter. These engagements have now reached millions in viewership and responses nationwide," he said.

Goitia added: "I have said in one of my statements in the past that it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens from internal and external threats."

"The effort of the government to pass the anti-terrorism law is a big boost in its drive to counter this insurgency. We are grateful the President and Executive Secretary Medaldea through the Anti-Terrorism Council passed Resolutions 12 and 13 designating as terrorist groups the CPP-NPA as well as the Islamic State East Asia, Maute Group, Daulah Islamiya, and associated groups," he said.

https://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/343104/group-lauds-gov-t-for-action-on-communist-groups.html