Official NDFP-Negros Island Statement On The Recent Armed Encounter In Candoni, Negros Occidental Province
Bayani Obrero | Spokesperson | NDFP-Negros Island | National Democratic Front Of The Philippines
November 21, 2024
The encounter between NPA fighters and combined elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s 15th and 47th IB in Sitio Tig maya, Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental Province has been milked by the reactionary government for the past 24 hours as a ‘major encounter against NPA remnants’ in the area. However, the firefight cannot be reduced as such, since it also involves an anomalous oil palm plantation protected by the military that has been scrutinized ever since its implementation last year.
Southwest Negros has been contested by different landlords, compradors and bureaucrat capitalists for the past years due to the abundance of its natural resources. Years ago, several mining companies were established in the 6th district to the detriment of the communities in the area. Presently, in Candoni, the 6,000-hectare Araneta-Consunji oil palm project has displaced peasants and indigenous people alike, through the use of armed goons—both private and those from the AFP as well. For the longest time, the AFP are active defenders of the interests of landlords and compradors, ensuring large-scale land-grabbing and perpetrating injustice towards the populace.
While 3rd ID chief Sison and his lackeys present their humbug, they also conveniently leave out the fact that their presence in the area has been to preserve and protect the oil palm plantation while dutifully attacking the people who are against it. The armed encounter only proves that only the NPA protects the welfare of the exploited and oppressed farmers and indigenous peoples, while the AFP are mere mercenaries of the ruling class.
State terrorism and fascism that are used against the people for the benefit of the ruling class will spark outrage on the broad oppressed and exploited masses. There is no other option for them but to take up arms and join the armed struggle. As long as landlessness, land-grabbing as well as anti-people neo-liberal policies exist, the armed revolution perseveres. The united front against local bureaucrat capitalism and feudalism servile to imperialism will continue to expand and consolidate to struggle for a just and lasting peace.
The NDFP-Negros Island implores the media, human rights defenders and concerned groups to be vigilant regarding the issue. The AFP must strictly adhere to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which they have consistently failed to do for the past years. The rights of hors de combat and non-combatants should be upheld.
Meanwhile, the NDFP-Negros Island is still in the process of thorough investigation on what transpired on November 21. Additional reports will be posted once more data is gathered from the NPA units operating in the area.
Source : https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/on-the-recent-armed-encounter-in-candoni-negros-occidental/