Reds named persona non grata

CEBU, Philippines — The Provincial Peace and Order Council of Negros Oriental has declared communist New People’s Army rebels as persona non grata, following the series of atrocities in the area.

The development came after the meeting of the PPOC last Tuesday in the Old Session Hall of the Capitol Hall in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Brigadier General Ignacio Madriaga of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army said that the PPOC’s move is an indication that the government of the Negros Oriental, led by Governor Roel Degamo, is condemning the presence of communist insurgents.

“I don’t want insurgents here in the province. I am not joking; I am not fooling around with my job. Therefore, you terrorists, you don’t have a place in the province because those of us from Negros Oriental embrace peace and order,” Degamo was quoted in a press release.

He also said that he will not tolerate the presence of coddlers of terrorist groups.

“I am warning all the coddlers of terrorist groups or members of terrorist organizations, I would not hesitate to use all my powers to pull all of you out of the province,” he said.

The presence of NPA rebels allegedly casts fear among the Negrenses and stunted economic growth in the area.

“The NPA’s nefarious activities have driven out businesses and potential investors being the biggest hindrance/stumbling block for peace and development,” the press statement further read.

Recently, the members of NPA were blamed for burning three farm tractors, last February 25.

In another brazen attack, members of the NPA allegedly gunned down Guihulngan deputy police chief, Police Colonel Porferio Gabuya Jr., in an eatery in front of the police station last December 19.

The European Union and the United States have already listed the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army as a terrorist organization. — BRP (FREEMAN)