VP Sara Duterte Warns Against Deception by CPP-NPA-NDF in the Philippines

MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte has called on Filipinos to be vigilant and not be misled by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). This statement was made during her expression of condolences to the family of Sgt. Jernell Ramillano, who was killed in an encounter with insurgents in Batangas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte, speaking on Thursday evening, emphasized the long-standing impact of the CPP-NPA-NDF on Philippine society. “We should not be fooled by terrorists who have been an obstacle for us to have peaceful lives and achieve growth in our communities,” she stated. She also paid tribute to Ramillano for his bravery and dedication, noting that his courage and love for the country would inspire others to serve the nation better.

Highlighting the broader impact of the CPP-NPA-NDF, Duterte recalled an incident from 2018 when she was the mayor of Davao City. The mother of 1st Lt. Jaren Relota, another victim of the rebel group, asked her about the continued loss of lives due to the insurgents. Duterte stressed that ignoring the treacherous and violent nature of the CPP-NPA-NDF could lead to more casualties like Sgt. Ramillano and 1st Lt. Relota.

The Education Secretary warned that Filipino children’s education and future are at stake if they are left vulnerable to recruitment by these insurgents. She expressed her belief that the sole objective of the CPP-NPA-NDF is to undermine the country’s democratic foundation, abolish government institutions, and plunge the nation into poverty, chaos, and injustice.

Duterte has recently reaffirmed her support for the government’s peace efforts but has advised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. against granting amnesty to the rebel group. She referred to the joint communiqué between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front as an “agreement with the devil,” underscoring her stance on the matter.