CPP issues threats to landlords, firms that destroy environment

MANILA, Philippines – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday ordered its fighters to “arrest” landlords who block land reform and to attack companies that destroy the country’s natural resources.

In a 13-page statement issued on the eve of its 43rd anniversary, the CPP also directed its revolutionary forces to launch attacks on the detachments of government forces.

“We must arrest and try landlords who violently oppose land reform, the human rights violators, the plunderers, drug lords and enemy spies,” CPP said.

“We must interdict and dismantle enterprises that violate the laws and regulations of the people’s government and destroy the environment and agricultural production, plunder natural resources and prevent land reform and national industrialization,” it added.

The CPP issued the statement even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the general security situation around the country is normal even if the rebels are expected to conduct activities to mark their anniversary.

“While we shifted focus and pour the bulk of our resources and manpower on the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in calamity-stricken areas, we continue to monitor activities of possible threats to the nation’s peace and stability,” said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.

The CPP said minority groups are demanding respect to their self-determination and their ancestral domain.

These groups, the CPP said, are in favor of the efforts of rebels to dismantle and shut down the operations of foreign mining firms in the country.

The AFP earlier revealed that the insurgents are planning to commit more atrocities against “soft targets” like mining, logging and agro-industrial firms.

Authorities have vowed to remain vigilant against attacks as the CPP marks its 43rd anniversary today.

The CPP said the New People’s Army (NPA), its armed wing, should continue to launch attacks against the detachments of state security forces.

Burgos said the AFP has intensified its intelligence gathering efforts and has maintained an intelligence network with other law enforcement agencies.

“The AFP continues to be on active defense mode as we strictly enforce and adhere to the provision of the SOMO (suspension of military operations),” he said.

The government declared a holiday ceasefire that started last Dec. 16 and will be in effect until Jan. 2. –Alexis Romero The Philippine Star