Usual suspects issue the usual statement

From Malaya (Dec 26): Usual suspects issue the usual statement

The Communist Party of the Philippines said yesterday a planned intensified military campaign to destroy its armed wing, the New People’s Army “is a pipe dream.” The CPP made the statement for its 44th foundation anniversary yesterday. The CPP statement said the administration of Ferdinand Marcos was not able to destroy the NPA, then small and weak, when it forged a cease-fire agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front in 1976. The military places the number of NPA men at about 4,000.

The CPP said the military will not succeed in destroying the NPA as the AFP pursues its strategy of concentrating large forces in certain guerrilla fronts for extended periods, including Southern Mindanao, Samar-Leyte and Negros areas. The CPP criticized the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan,” the military’s blueprint in winning the peace. Calling it a “vicious monster,” the CPP said Bayanihan’s main thrust “is to kill suspected revolutionaries.” It said the campaign plan calls for intelligence work and intimidation of families of suspected revolutionaries.

All Malacañang could say to all these is that said it expects the NPA to adhere to the holiday cease-fire that CPP-National Democratic Front leaders agreed on with the government but the AFP is ready in case the rebels celebrate their anniversary by attacking soldiers. The holiday truce started l December 20 and will last until January 15. Presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles, in her Christmas message, said the 27-day nationwide Christmas cease-fire is the longest between the two parties.

Government and CPP-NDF peace negotiators and representatives are scheduled to meet early next year to discuss the forging of a Common Declaration of National Unity and Just Peace. The two parties met last December 17-18 at The Hague and agreed to exchange comments on their respective drafts of the Declaration.

In Negros Oriental on Christmas Day, combined police and soldiers arrested Felimon Mendrez alias Tatay and Edon, an alleged ranking NPA leader.

http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/20681-usual-suspects-issue-the-usual-statement