PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

Gen. Santiago statement of violence against Ka Roger denounced
December 22, 2002

The Communist Party of the Philippines denounced AFP Chief-of-staff Gen. Dionisio Santiago for blurting out recently that "Ka Roger deserves to be executed." Santiago said this in reaction to a previous statement of CPP spokesperson, Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, in a media conference that, "There will be more numerous, more frequent and bigger tactical offensives in the year 2003."

Rosal, the very person Santiago wants executed, said that "Murderous tyrants also refuse to hear the bad news. So they execute the messenger. The same is true with bloodthirsty reactionaries and fascists. They always want the head of revolutionaries. By saying exactly the same thing, the AFP chief shows that he is of the same tyrannical mold."

"It is not that I resent his threat or worry about it." Rosal said, "To be despised to death by reactionaries is actually a compliment-in-disguise to revolutionaries."

"The way Gen. Santiago talks casually about executing enemies reminds me of Hitler. And also like a fascist, he distorts facts as he explains his statement," Rosal elaborated.

In his explanation, Santiago said that "(Ka Roger) is always asking for trouble. But what they (communist rebels) always attack in the first place are civilian targets, like power barges, cell sites and private-owned construction equipment, things that affect the economy."

Rosal said that, "The principal targets of NPA military operations are the AFP, PNP and paramilitary troops operating in NPA areas and other important military installations."

Rosal explained further that the NPA also launches "punitive actions against those who have been convicted by revolutionary governmental organs and people's courts of owing blood-debts and perpetrating other heinous crimes against the revolutionary movement and people."

"The NPA does not at all target civilians and civilian facilities, unless these are only for cover and are purposely devoted to military operations against the revolutionary movement and the masses," Rosal further clarified.

Rosal also stated that "the NPA operates against economic targets in NPA territories only if they are monopolized by big foreign or local ruling class interests, are abusive and oppressive of the population, are destructive of the environment, are used against the revolutionary movement and incorrigibly refuse to obey the laws of the revolutionary government-including the revolutionary tax laws."

Rosal qualified, however, that "In so doing the NPA always takes into serious consideration any adverse effect its operations may have on the people's welfare, and thus may adjust the nature and form of its operations against such economic targets so as not to prejudice the people's interests." ###

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553



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