By what right?
What right does the CPP-NDF-NPA have in issuing an arrest warrant against former president Aquino and several others in connection with the Kidapawan incident where several farmers were killed in a violent dispersal by the police? According to the NDF, Aquino et al must face a people's court for supposed human rights violations. The last time I checked, the NPA is still considered to be an enemy of the state. If you ask the AFP, they are considered terrorists and criminal extortionists that serve as a hindrance to progress. In a span of two months, there have been sixty cases of arson perpetrated by the NPA. That's practically one a day.
It is actually the NPA that should answer for many crimes against individuals and property. They continue to collect revolutionary taxes, obviously to finance their operations, which is by itself criminal in nature. Those who oppose them suffer the burnings they are very well known for. They have their own human rights violations to answer to. It is the NPA that should be arrested for the crimes they have committed in more than four decades. It is also solely the duty of the courts to issue arrest warrants and prosecute criminal activities, and if found guilty, mete out punishment.
It seems the way President Duterte has treated the Left at the beginning of his administration has given them swollen heads. They probably feel they can now make demands, since they have a sympathizer in the Palace. Duterte has described himself as a socialist. He gave three Cabinet positions to the so-called Left, and even declared a unilateral ceasefire, asking the NPA to respond in kind. But like any other spoiled brat, which he also called them, the CPP-NDF-NPA wanted more.
They demanded the release of all their comrades in prison. They refuse to stop collecting revolutionary taxes from hapless businesses and individuals. They claim territory when they have no right whatsoever to do so, and violently deal with those who "trespass", particularly our military, violating their own ceasefire.
Both they and the government have now gone back to the table to talk peace, only this time, President Duterte has set conditions that have to be met before any official documents are signed. Some have said these conditions just cannot be met by the NDF, such as stopping the collection of revolutionary taxes and claims to rural territories. Some are even questioning whether the NDF, which is supposed represent both the CPP and the NPA, have any real control over the latter. Duterte himself accuses the NDF of delaying the talks. If you consider the expenses the government is incurring by sending negotiators to another country just to talk, with probably little hope of achieving lasting peace, then that makes it another unnecessary expense. Why a country in Europe? Why not a regional country where it is nearer, and probably cheaper?
The CPP-NDF-NPA must know their place. Just because they now have comrades in government does not mean they can start enforcing their own laws and assert themselves over territory, even collect "taxes". They are still considered rebels, their cause is still an insurgency and they remain enemies of the state. If these current talks do not prosper, then I believe it is time to enforce the true laws of the land.
- Latest
