DND chief slams NPA for false ideology

From the Manila Times (Jul 16, 2023): DND chief slams NPA for false ideology (By Dexter A. See)

BAGUIO CITY: Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. criticized the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) for fighting for an ideology and a cause that had never been realistic from the start.

Teodoro, the guest of honor during the regular meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council in the Cordillera on Friday, pointed out that the government would not hesitate to flex its muscles within the bounds of the law to thwart any attempt by the communist rebels to wreck havoc and disrupt the peace and order in the country.

The Defense official also welcomed two former rebels who earlier surrendered to authorities and would be provided with the appropriate government assistance under the Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) for them to start a new lease on life. They were former members of the NPA Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Party Committee.

"All the chances were given to the CPP-NPA," Teodoro said.

"In the past administration, they were even given Cabinet positions, yet what happened? Now, whose fault is it if a community is displaced — is it the government or the NPA?"

Teodoro also criticized the CPP-NPA for allegedly using improvised explosive devices in their combat operations despite being prohibited by existing treaties.

He encouraged the remaining communist rebels to return to the folds of the law before it was too late.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/16/regions/dnd-chief-slams-npa-for-false-ideology/1900845