Are “legal fronts” communists in action?

BIEN UNIDO,  BOHOL , Philippines  – A former rebel has stated that the so-called “legal fronts” are still communists in the making, as he denounced what he called “abuses” perpetrated in the communist movement in the province.

The former rebel, identified only as Banal (his family name), had assailed the “CNN” or the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army, which he said has been trying to trick the government by the two-pronged approach—the legal front and the arm struggle.

Banal, during the oathtaking of officers of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Nueva Estrella (NaMNE), a newly-formed farmers’ organization in Barangay Nueva Estrella of this town by the Chatto-Lim administration, told the audience that the communists had strengthened groups as legal fronts.

These groups are the Hugpong sa Mag-uumang Bol-anon (HUMABOL) and a fishermen’s organization in the towns of Anda and Mabini.

Speaking in the dialect, Banal accused HUMABOL of trying to acquire lands but has been “grabbing” these “to make money.” Only Jose Maria Sison, the CPP founder now based in The Netherlands, had benefited from this “land grabbing” activities, he further alleged.

Efforts to contact HUMABOL or its representatives for reactions about the accusations came to naught, however.

The Purok Power Movement, launched by Gov. Edgar Chatto and Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim successfully organized NaMNE with 20 farmers sworn in before the military in the presence of the Capitol’s representatives: Liza Quirog, head of the Social Economic and Environmental Management (SEEM) Cluster, and Anthony Damalerio, governor’s executive assistant.

Others who attended the ceremony were Barangay Chairperson Judith Autida, ProTEAM leader Neria del Rosario, 1st Lt. Brian Jasper Bayrante of the Special Forces and Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Colongon of the Philipine Army and Provincial Board Member Josephine Socorro Jumamoy with her daughter, Inabanga town Councilor Jovanna “Jaja” Jumamoy and barangay officials.  (FREEMAN)