Reds urge Moro rebels to continue armed struggle

DAVAO CITY—Communist rebels have urged their Moro comrades to continue their armed struggle for genuine autonomy, saying peace negotiations with the government have not alleviated the oppression and exploitation of the Bangsamoro people and lulled them into capitulation.

The statement was issued by Joaquin Jacinto, spokesperson for the National Democratic Front-Mindanao, on March 18 to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the Jabidah Massacre where dozens of Muslim men were killed after a plan to invade Sabah, Malaysia, for which they were recruited, had leaked.

The statement said the 1968 massacre “was a manifestation of deep chauvinism and the utter lack of respect for the human rights of the Moro people” that continue despite the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who secretly hatched the Sabah invasion plan.

“Until present, with the full recognition of the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination disregarded, genuine autonomy remains elusive,” the statement said.

The NDF-Mindanao said the Bangsamoro “must steel its resolve to further strengthen its armed resistance for its genuine right to self-determination and against the fascist and chauvinist reactionary state.”

“Remember that only through armed revolution the basic problems of the Moro people are resolved,” it said.

The statement said the government’s “war against terrorism” has resulted in the militarization of many communities in Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, victimizing ordinary Moros with indiscriminate bombings and attacks that have eroded their livelihood pushed them deeper into poverty.

It said “the brutal militarization of Moro areas never ceased” in spite of consecutive peace and ceasefire agreements with the Moro rebels. —ALLAN NAWAL