New People’s Army (NPA) logo | INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — “There is more to be done” to put an end to communist insurgency, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday.
A day before the New People’s Army (NPA) anniversary on March 29, Lorenzana was reminded of the people who lost their lives due to communist terrorists.
“Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology,” he said in a statement.
He, however, said that the government is hopeful “for a more progressive and developed Philippines.”
The defense official pointed out that thousands of former rebels were given a chance to become productive members of the society when they returned to the folds of the law.
“They have given their firearms in exchange for more peaceful tools of trade, and I am encouraged by the success stories of our former rebels,” said Lorenzana.
Still, more efforts have to be exerted to end armed conflicts, he said.
“There is more to be done. Even as we enjoy the dividends of peace, we continue our mission to secure our communities, encourage [Communist Party of the Philippines]-NPA members to avail of the [Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program], and finally put a stop to the decades-long communist armed conflicts in the country,” the defense chief said.
“It is our hope that whoever comes next will continue what we have started and sustain our peace initiatives,” Lorenzana went on.