Gov’t files complaint vs NDF over recent rebel attacks

MANILA, Philippines - The government is not about to let pass the recent communist rebel attacks in Davao and Quirino.

Government peace panel chairman Silvestre Bello III yesterday said they formally filed a complaint before the Norwegian government, the facilitator of the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).

“We sent a letter to the NDF complaining about the NPA attacks and the Norwegian government has been formally furnished a copy of the complaint,” Bello told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum.

Bello said he would also confront the NDF concerning last Saturday’s attack on Lapanday Food Corp. in Davao City.

“I will meet with the NDF chairman and ask him to explain because the violent attack could indicate they are no longer in control of their forces,” he said.

According to Bello, the violent NPA attacks could make people doubt the peace talks or prompt the military to reconsider its position.

Bello, however, said President Duterte ordered an investigation into the incident, but did not hint of any intention to cancel the ongoing peace talks with the communist rebels.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the government became dismayed by the NPA attacks.

“We are dismayed that although peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF are now making substantial headway, their forces still continue to wage attacks that victimize civilians and inflict damage on the civilian sector,” Dureza said. 

While the bilateral ceasefire is not yet in place, Dureza said the public’s common reaction to the NPA attacks questions the sincerity of the rebels in dealing with the government.

He said that the public also questions their capacity to manage and control their forces on the ground.

“There are even calls now to stop the talks altogether and pursue an all-out military offensive against their armed groups,” Dureza said.

He said all the security forces of the government with the support of civilian communities can deal with the rebels.

“On the other hand, we who are tasked to seek a peaceful and principled settlement must pursue, with more vigor, these peace engagements with the communist rebels,” Dureza said.

Bello, for his part, said no ceasefire agreement has been violated with the latest NPA attacks since it has yet to be agreed upon by both panels in the peace negotiations in Norway.

“We have succeeded in coming up with a bilateral ceasefire agreement, which is equivalent to a truce, but it will only become effective after we agree on certain parameters,” he explained.

Bello though admitted the violence has somewhat abated since the peace talks started.

“By the end of May, we could submit a point of reference on bilateral ceasefire draft agreement and sign it,” Bello said.

The NPA justified the attack in Lapanday, saying the factory exploited its workers.

Bello, as secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said they are making arrangements to reemploy the displaced workers of Lapanday.

“I look at it as a national problem, the factory was burned and their workers lost their jobs. So I ordered (our regional office) to give them emergency employment,” he said.

Bello said the displaced workers can work in the local government while the DOLE will be paying their salaries.

Bello said over 200 workers were affected when communist rebels torched the food factory.

He said those to be hired under DOLE’s emergency employment program will receive daily minimum pay rate.

The rebels took the firearms of the security guards and burned several equipment. 

The attack, on the eve of the Labor Day, was carried out while the Philippines was hosting the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila. – With Jose Rodel Clapano