BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- In a virtual press conference held on Monday, the members of the National Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) have exposed the violations committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

PLt. Jonard Requina, Officer in Charge of the Malimono Police Station shared the details on the NPA's destruction of Surigao del Norte prawn farm after the recent failed extortion. "Based on the report, the NPAs went to the area and demanded some P10,000 from the owner of the prawn farm thru the caretaker which was said to be used for the birthday celebration of their commander. However, no amount was handed to them," he said.

Hon. Alfredo Antojado, Sangguniang Bayan Member representing Lanuza Mayor Anilao Dawog, also relayed the brutal killing of the NPAs to the caretaker and burning of equipment of construction company in the Municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. "With what happened, the LGU condemned in the strongest form the atrocities and extortion perpetrated by the NPA communist terrorist group. The LGU does not allow and tolerate such brutal acts," he said.

Brigadier General George Banzon, commander of 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army emphasized that the primary motive of the NPA communist terrorist group is to instill fear to any potential victims in their attempt to conduct extortion activities and destruction of privately-owned properties in the province of Surigao del Sur. "The acts and deeds of the NPAs simply manifest that they are indeed terrorists. We are currently reaching out to the owners of these private companies and urging them not to give any financial support to the NPA," he said.

"Report to us any information on the extortion activities of the communist terrorist NPA, so that the law enforcement agencies -- the PNP and the military could respond immediately and provide the necessary interventions. Your military, together with our counterpart the PNP is doing everything to prevent these atrocities and destruction caused by the NPAs," Banzon added.

The NTF-ELCAC highlighted that the communist NPA terrorist has clearly violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for victimizing civilians who are not directly participating in hostilities. This included the burning of equipment to impede any development in the area, which is already a pattern of organized, orchestrated, continuing, deliberate and systematic scheme perpetrated by the NPA that justifies their designation as a terrorist organization.

During the press conference, the NTF-ELCAC and the media also witnessed a video showing the attack/harassment of the NPAs which took place early morning of June 28 in Barangay Tinago, Malimono, Surigao del Norte. Major General Edgardo De Leon, J3, AFP, stressed that this incident showed how the NPAs caused danger in the lives of the people. Hence, the community should declare the NPA terrorists as persona non-grata to prevent them from entering their community and cause further destruction.

He called on civilians and those in the business sector who were victims of the extortion and other illegal activities committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF to come out and speak, so appropriate IHL cases could be filed against the perpetrators. "Your rights should be protected and respected. Do not allow the violations and killings committed by the terrorist communist groups to continue," he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, shared the real situation and difficulties encountered by the IPs, and the locals against the NPA terrorists during her recent visit to Agusan del Sur and Lianga, Surigao del Sur. She elaborated on how cruel the NPAs are for committing crimes and violating the IHL. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)