In the aftermath of a recent clash between the military and communist rebels that claimed the life of a soldier, Vice President Sara Duterte has reaffirmed her stance against any form of peace talks with them. The incident has further solidified her position on the matter.
In a statement issued late Thursday night, Duterte expressed her recognition of the heroism displayed by Sergeant Jernell Ramillano, the soldier who lost his life during the clash with operatives of the New People’s Army (NPA) on December 17. The NPA serves as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Duterte condemned the heinous actions committed by the CPP, NPA, and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), referring to them as terrorists. She emphasized that Ramillano’s family is just one of many who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to their violent acts.
As an example, Duterte shared the story of 1st Lieutenant Jaren Relota, another soldier who lost his life during a clash with NPA rebels in Davao City in 2018. She recounted a poignant question raised by Relota’s mother, asking how many more children would have to die because of the NPA terrorists.
Duterte warned that unless the government remains vigilant and remembers the treacherous and violent nature of the CPP-NPA-NDFP, more soldiers like Ramillano and Relota will continue to sacrifice their lives. She urged the public to understand that the ultimate goal of these groups is to dismantle the foundations of democracy, destabilize government institutions, and lead the nation into poverty, turmoil, and injustice.
The Vice President has consistently opposed peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP. She has gone as far as labeling the recently-signed Oslo Agreement between the two sides as an “agreement with the devil.”
With this firm stance, Duterte aims to protect the country’s democracy and ensure the safety of its citizens. She believes that engaging in peace talks with groups that have shown no regard for human life would only lead to further violence and instability.
While some may argue that dialogue is necessary for resolving conflicts, Duterte emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and security of the Filipino people. She asserts that peace cannot be achieved by negotiating with those who seek to undermine the nation’s progress and stability.
It is crucial for the international audience to understand the context of the Philippines’ struggle against communist rebels. The CPP-NPA-NDFP has been engaged in an armed insurgency for decades, causing significant loss of life and hindering the country’s development.
By providing insights into the personal stories of fallen soldiers and highlighting the destructive agenda of the rebel groups, Duterte aims to garner support for the government’s efforts to combat these threats. Her unwavering commitment to protecting the nation serves as a rallying cry for unity and resilience against those who seek to disrupt the country’s peace and progress.
The Vice President’s strong stance against peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDFP reflects the sentiments of many Filipinos who have witnessed the devastating impact of the rebels’ actions. As the nation continues to grapple with this ongoing conflict, Duterte’s resolute leadership offers hope for a future free from the grip of terrorism and violence.
Source: The Manila Times
