ANAD accuses gov't of not using resources vs. NPA

CEBU, Philippines - Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr. is hitting on government for its alleged failure to use its broadcast facilities in the fight against the Communist New People’s Army.

Speaking during a CAMP Forum, Alcover said the New People’s Army has reportedly intensified its propaganda allegedly through a legal front, but the government still failed to counter the same through its broadcast and television facilities.

Alcover said that in the fight against insurgencies, it is important for government to educate the people of their activities and how to detect these groups. He said the government could have easily done this through radio and television and even through the Philippine Information Agency and Philippine news Agency.

Cebu and Bohol have been declared insurgency free, but Alcover said the educational campaign should continue.

“Una man god, kining mga grupo maayo kaayo mupakita nga sila mutabang ilabi na gayud ngadto sa mga mag-uuma, apan wala diay masayod ang mag-uuma nga nasakop na siya sa NPA,” Alcover said.

He stressed insurgency cannot be fought with the use of arms, but is better countered through the effective delivery of basic services to the people at the barangay level. He said no NPA will exist if the people are satisfied with government. – THE FREEMAN