BUTUAN City–Some 50 New People’s Army rebels and their supporters staged a five-minute “lightning rally” at the crowded Montilla Boulevard here late afternoon Wednesday in time for the NPA’s 48th anniversary.
The group’s spokesman, one Ka Joaquin, said the demonstration was to disprove the military’s claim that the rebel movement has grown week. On the contrary, he said, the NPA is “alive and kicking, and growing as well.”
They aired their support for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), and lambasted the military for launching offensives, and for allegedly committing human rights violations in outlying villages.
Ka Joaquin said the NPA’s actions were merely in response to alleged military atrocities.
Meanwhile, Ka Maria Malaya, NDF spokesperson for northeastern Mindanao, said they would release Pfc. Edwin Salan of the 30th Infantry Battalion once the military and police temporary suspend operations against the NPA in specific areas in Caraga. She said it would be a gesture of goodwill and in support of the resumption of the peace talks. (ben serrano)
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