The New People’s Army (NPA)-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command) refuted police and military statement that the Edwin Divina Diesta they arrested on August 29 is a member of the people’s army. Diesta, a construction worker, is facing attempted rape charges. He was arrested in Barangay San Juan, Bacon District, Sorsogon City by elements of Sorsogon Police Station, 92nd Special Action Force Company, 903rd IBde and 31st IB.

Ka Samuel Guerrero, NPA-Sorsogon spokesperson, believes that Diesta is being released as a Red fighter to tarnish the name of the revolutionary movement. “This is a desperate attempt to cast the army as harboring rapists,” according to Ka Samuel.

The revolutionary movement abides by a strict policy for respecting the rights of women and other marginalized genders against discrimination, abuse, and violence, he said. “Neither does the Party nor the NPA condone individuals who have been found guilty of rape.” He added that this is one facet of a military and police tactic to artificially inflate its “successes” in its counter-insurgency campaign.

Ka Samuel called on media professionals to be vigilant regarding reports released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. “In today’s era where misinformation and fake news abound, people expect that the ranks of media people can be relied upon to deliver the truth for them to achieve justice,” he said.