CPP condemns Sultan Kudarat bombings, denounces martial law extension pretext


The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today condemned the two incidents of bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last August 28 and September 2 which killed at least four people and left almost fifty wounded. The CPP said the bombings are “barbarous criminal acts which are now being used as pretext to justify the extension of martial law in Mindanao.”

The CPP denounces officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for insinuating that the Sultan Kudarat bombings were perpetrated by the New People’s Army. “The CPP and NPA have nothing to do with the dastardly Isulan bombings. The bombings were directed against civilians which run contrary to the NPA’s basic policy of giving highest priority to the protection of civilians.”

“The Party and all revolutionary forces denounce officials and supporters of the Duterte regime for using the Sultan Kudarat bombings to bolster their militarist proposal for extending martial law in Mindanao and imposing it nationwide.”

“It is hypocritical for these militarists to claim that martial law will stop similar bombing attacks against civilians when, in reality, martial law in Mindanao has resulted in far more numerous and widespread crimes perpetrated against civilians and their communities by Duterte’s armed minions.”

“The fascist soldiers and police forces impose their armed will and trample on the people’s civil and political rights with utmost impunity,” added the CPP.

Around 150 have been killed in Mindanao since martial law was imposed. The CPP pointed out the Lake Sebu massacre perpetrated by 27th and 33rd IB on December 3 last year where at least eight Lumad civilians were killed. More recently, three peasants in Bango town, Compostela Valley were killed last August 21. A few weeks ago, two peasants were killed in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur last August 5. Everyday, thousands upon thousands are being victimized by relentless intimidation, coercion and harassment by the AFP in its so-called “surrender” campaign.

“Furthermore, contrary to claims that martial law in Mindanao aims to promote peace and security, it has, in fact, emboldened criminal and bandit groups linked or being coddled by military and police officials to continue and expand their drug trade, kidnapping and other criminal operations.”

CPP condemns Sultan Kudarat bombings, denounces martial law extension pretext