Lt. Col. Feliciano's statement against the removal of the CPP-NPA from the "terrorist" listing is malicious and irresponsible

Fr. Santiago "Sanny" Salas
Spokesperson in Eastern Visayas
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
March 26, 2004

Reference:
Mr. Roy Santos, NDF-EV media liaison officer
[email protected]

It is irresponsible for Lt. Col. Feliciano of the AFP Central Command-Civil Relations Group to declare that it is impossible for the CPP-NPA to be removed from the list of "terrorist organizations" because of the series of successful NPA tactical offensives.

This sort of chatter from Feliciano shows the utter malice of the AFP in sabotaging the peace talks. In the framework of the formal resumption of the peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDFP, it is the obligation of the GRP-to which Col. Feliciano and the entire AFP are subordinate-to do all the positive and diplomatic steps to remove the CPP, NPA and NDFP chief political consultant Jose Ma. Sison from the "terrorist" list. This is only appropriate, as it is the GRP itself that campaigned in Europe and the US to list the CPP, NPA and Jose Ma. Sison as "foreign terrorist," through then Foreign Affairs Sec. Blas Ople.

Col. Feliciano maliciously intends to misportray the series of victorious tactical offensives by the NPA as "terrorist". According to international law and the laws of war, as well as the internal rules of discipline of the NPA, those attacked by the NPA were all legitimate targets-combatants of the opposing side in the civil war, especially the abusive AFP and PNP troops who owe blood debts to the people. Likewise, the NPA strictly observes discipline in the conduct of war-in ensuring the safety of civilians and respecting the rights of the hors de combat, including the prisoners of war. In addition, the NPA enjoys the widespread and deep support of the people that in the first place leads to the success of the tactical offensives. Such a sterling record is in stark contrast with the long and bloody record of the AFP in attacking, killing, abusing, torturing, and kidnapping of civilians and tearing asunder the rights of captured NPA fighters.

Judging from the irresponsible statements of Col. Feliciano, it is only fitting that he is the best man for his job in the AFP Central Command-Civil Relations Group. After all, the reason for existence of "AFP civil relations" is in spreading lies and disinformation against the revolutionary movement, in the sick belief that the AFP can win "the hearts and minds" of the public through deception and fraud.#