NPA cadres simulate a firefight during Communist Party of the Philippines 48th anniversary rites in Caraga. Photographed by Erwin Mascariñas, InterAksyon
Medina, Misamis Oriental - Cadres of the New People's Army (NPA) came out in a show of force during the 48th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) at various venues in Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao on Monday, December 26, 2016.
In Misamis Oriental, an estimated 5,000 supporters of the NPA traveled from different parts of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao and Agusan del Norte to the town of Medina to take part in the anniversary celebration.
The event kicked off with a Peace Forum with the participation of various sectors and stakeholders from different communities, socio-civic and church groups.
Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), who is an official of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), explained why it was crucial to take part in the peace forum: "To get the perspective of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and its views on the peace process and also towards socio-economic reforms. We hope to hear these things on the peace talks and, we hope, the effects would be the transformation and change within our society and its economic advantages. With this we should be vigilant and look closely at the process from both sides of the table."
Calang added that, "It is important ... we should not be left behind in this undertaking. We should be at the forefront in the talks for peace because it is us, the people, who will benefit from this. We should not allow anyone to block our path toward peace. We have high hopes since President Duterte is at the forefront of the ongoing talks. We hope that the two parties will push on and move forward amid the trials and hardship in achieving peace."
Alfredo Mapano, also known as "Ka Paris" representing the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as one of its consultants in the peace talks, explained why the alliance with the Duterte administration has brought positive hallmarks in the struggle.
"The next round of talks will be held on January 18 to 24 in Rome, Italy; we hope with this the root cause of the armed conflict will be addressed and answered. Our alliance with President Duterte has brought several good directions towards the peace talks, one of which has been the release of the imprisoned consultants of the NDF, of which I am one. This administration has also given several key positions to several left leaning leaders in government agencies that are directly involved in the service for the people," said Ka Paris.
He added: "This administration is also the first to respect several of the previous agreements with the NDF. We cannot just hope that everything will be addressed immediately, but we will find ways to push for certain reforms. We are also eager to continue our alliance with the President since he is not a puppet of the imperialist power, the United States, unlike previous presidents, and he doesn't see the left leaning groups as an enemy, unlike all the past presidents."
Yet, Ka Paris also reminded there is a need to also "be vigilant and reminded of certain issues that we don't see eye-to-eye."
"But all of this doesn't mean we will be silent if there is a need to criticize President Duterte, since we also harbor opposite opinions on his policies, such as on the Marcos Burial and the massive killings in the war on drugs and several more."
Celebrations and peace forums were also held in Barangay Anticala in Butuan City, which is 30 minutes away from the main thoroughfare of the city, while another was held in the town of San Luis in Agusan del Sur. In the Surigao provinces, in Marihatag town in Surigao del Sur, thousands gathered to celebrate the event. While another event was also celebrated in Surigao City.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERWIN MASCARIÑAS, InterAksyon
Members of the NPA resting under the shade of an acacia tree waiting for the program to start.
Simulated depiction of an armed encounter between NPA and the AFP.
National Democratic Front peace talks consultant Alfredo Mapano, also known as "Ka Paris" talks about the progress of the on going peace negotiations with the government.
Tribal folk from tribal indigenous people of Bukidnon perform during the Peace Forum.
Supporters gather around the activity area under the shade of large acacia trees.
Female members of the NPA stand in formation
Members of the NPA show-off their long firearms at the company formation drill.
http://interaksyon.com/article/135628/48th-anniversary--npa-show-of-force-marks-cpp-rites-in-caraga-northern-mindanao
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