CPP to have ‘paltry image’ after Joma Sison’s death, says Tolentino
FILE PHOTO: A flag bearing the logo of the CPP-NPA. Photo from the Philippine Army
MANILA, Philippines — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will have a “paltry image” following the death of its founder Jose Maria Sison, according to Senator Francis Tolentino.
In an interview with ANC’s Headstart on Tuesday, Tolentino was asked about the effect of Sison’s demise on the CPP.
“I think it would now have a paltry image. I’m not saying that they’re more insignificant. It would really make them decrepit in terms of what they have been advocating. Worn out,” he said.
While the senator sympathizes with the bereaved family of Sison, he raised that justice should be served to soldiers and civilians who died during the encounters between the CPP’s armed wing, New People Army, and government troops.
“I think there should also be justice here. ‘Yung mga napatay na mga sundalo, ‘yung mga napatay na mga sibilyan na nasa crossfire ay dapat magkaroon din ng katarungan,” Tolentino said.
(I think there should also be justice here. The killed soldiers and civilians during crossfires should have justice.)
“Dapat po mabigyan din ng hustisya ‘yung mga naging bahagi ng insurgency na hindi dapat. Dapat po may managot doon sa terrorism na ginawa nila. This should really close this chapter in our history,” added the Senate committee on justice and human rights chairperson.
(The casualties of insurgency should be given justice. Someone should be accountable for the terrorism they did. This should really close this chapter in our history.)
For Tolentino, Sison’s successor “should really heed the call of history that what the Filipinos really need right now is peace and progress.”
The senator also said that fatalities from the rebel-military fighting should be accounted for.
“Dapat kilalanin nila na ang ating bayan ay nangangailangan ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran, and what they’ve done before – sa dami ng namatay – dapat siguro magkaroon ng accounting ‘yun,” said Tolentino.
(They should acknowledge that our country needs peace and development, and what they’ve done before – as many had died – should be accounted for.)
Sison, 83, died on December 16 (Manila time) in The Netherlands where he was on exile.
