NPA rebels will help typhoon victims, says CPP

LUCENA CITY — The Communist Party of the Philippines on Saturday announced that its armed wing, the New People’s Army, will help people in areas devastated by Typhoon “Ompong” (internationally known as “Mangkhut”).

“Units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and all revolutionary forces in North and Central Luzon, as well as in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, are geared to carry out rescue, relief and rehabilitation work for millions of people whose homes and livelihood were ravaged by strong winds and rains brought about by typhoon Ompong,” the CPP said in a statement.

The group said local command of communist guerillas in the next few days would “concentrate primarily in civic action amid the disaster even as they remain vigilant over the offensive operations ” of the government forces.

The CPP urges the people and international humanitarian agencies to unite and extend all possible help to address the welfare of typhoon victims.

“It urges all democratic sectors to establish Serve the People brigades to help collect and distribute relief assistance,” it said.

The CPP said there was urgent need to mobilize the people “to carry out collective effort from the devastation and facilitate the entry and equitable distribution of all financial and material assistance.”

The CPP added: “Their clamor for wage increases, land distribution, cancellation of debt, agricultural subsidies, free irrigation and livelihood assistance and economic relief demand immediate attention and resolution.” /atm