The recent squabble in the social media between opposing parties brought about by the (in)famous decision rendered by Manila RTC Judge Marlo Malagar in a petition by the Department of Justice to declare the CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorist caught my attention. Since I haven’t read the decision, I simply listened to comments of legal luminaries in the social media like former President PRRD, DOJ Secretary Crispin Remulla, Atty. Ferdie Topacio and other known personalities like NTF-ELCAC Usec. Lorraine Badoy, former NPA Cadre Eric Celis, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
From what I gathered from them, there is no need to declare the CPP and its armed wing and democratic fronts as terrorists because they have been declared and considered as such by the United States, European Union, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and by the Republic of the Philippines (RA No. 10168). According to former Senator Panfilo Lacson and PRRD, the CPP-NPA-NDF are “enemies of the state whose end game is to destroy the government and install another one”. They are terrorists because they have been and still are, sowing terror like killing of innocent civilians, burning of government establishments, bombing of mosques, recruiting student activists in state colleges and universities and training them to become part of their armed struggle against the government.
Those are the reasons why DepEd Secretary/VP Sara Duterte was asking for intelligence funds to finance surveillance and intelligence gatherings to avert any attempt to recruit students in colleges and universities. She is very vocal about it because she wanted to put a stop to recruitment of learners in terrorism and other illegal activities – a legitimate desire that must be supported by the people in the community. The fight against terrorism is not her sole responsibility and concern. It is also ours. We need to work together as a nation to preserve peace and order and to protect the welfare of the young who shall rule this country in the years to come.
I have no particular comment(s) about the controversial decision of Judge Malagar but I stand with those who fight against terrorism and extremism and I pray that their continuing struggle against the CPP-NPA-NDF using the whole of nation approach shall succeed. In a country of people with opposing philosophies, one must learn how to listen and respect other’s ideas to avoid unwarranted conflicts. Always bear in mind that in a civilized society, there is no better substitute for peace and order.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
