PURSUIT OF PEACE FELT IN REMOTE AREAS

May I react to the article titled “Lawmaker hits Lorenzana for tagging NPA as ‘terrorists’” (Inquirer.net, 4/4/17).

According to the report, Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, vice chair of the House committee on peace, reconciliation and unity, also slammed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for “undermining the cordial atmosphere of the peace process” by tagging the New People’s Army (NPA) as “terrorists.” Zarate also alleged that since the Armed Forces of the Philippines renewed its combat operations, the spate of human rights violations and extrajudicial killings against activists has spiked, particularly in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

It is true that name-calling and militarist labeling do not help peace negotiations to move forward; but such words should not be misconstrued by politicians. Allegedly, the verbal exchange is spoiling the posi- tive strides made by both the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front in the current stage of the peace process.

On the other hand, the secretary’s words may be interpreted as an expression of personal frustration. To support his claim that the communist armed group is an antidevelopment, antiprogress and antipoor “terrorist,” Lorenzana condemned the NPA’s recent attacks on government troops and private companies.

In any political communication, it is but normal to see a government official blurting out words against State enemies, but one should be careful since the subjects are lawless elements who may pose a danger to people’s lives. Meanwhile, we should take note that Bayan Muna is under the Makabayan bloc, a Left-leaning political propaganda “movement” disguising itself as a voice of the masses.

The AFP itself should proceed with its military operations as a peace mission despite allegations from Bayan Muna that it has bombed civilian settlements, displaced farmers and indigenous peoples.

Bayan Muna’s propaganda should not be taken seriously and, thus, ignored. Zarate’s statements do not advance the cause of just peace in the country, especially in this crucial stage of the peace negotiation which now centers on socioeconomic reforms. Meanwhile, the government has been doing its best to negotiate with the Communist Party of the Philippines. The AFP and defense department’s efforts are being felt by the public most especially in remote areas that the military has placed under protection from insurgents.