By Paulo Loreto Lim

Following the recent declaration by President Rodrigo Duterte to classify the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as a terror organization, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. backed the call.

“It has long been overdue,” he stated.

In addition, with the president suspending peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF), the governor said local peace talks will also cease.

Duterte earlier signed a proclamation making the designation, citing RA 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. According to the law, terrorist acts include causing death or serious bodily harm to a civilian for the purpose of intimidation or in defiance of the government; along with any act that defies international treaties the Philippines is associated with.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also noted, actions taken by the NPA “sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace.”/PLL, WDJ

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