FILE PHOTO: Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares. (SENATE FILE)
MANILA, Philippines — Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares challenged the government on Friday to uphold the Manila Regional Trial Court’s ruling that rebellion is not terrorism, urging the government to resume peace talks with rebels.
“The decision merely pointed out a doctrinal ruling that rebellion does not automatically mean terrorism, and more importantly, that activism and dissent are also not terrorism but a right of every person,” Colmenares said.
Bayan Muna also urged the government to resume talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
“We challenge President Marcos Jr. to order a stop to red tagging and depart from his father’s similar red-tagging of activists, dissenters and the opposition during martial law. Mr. Marcos Jr. should take the path of principled peace by resuming the now canceled peace talks with the NDFP,” Colmenares said.
This statement came after Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Malagar dismissed the petition of the Department of Justice to announce the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army as terrorist groups.
—Alyssa Quevedo, INQUIRER.net trainee