The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) criticized the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directive for the New People’s Army (NPA) to step up its recruitment nationwide.

“This is a sad development granting this is truly their real intent. Why? Because it is an indication of an expansion program that ironically runs counter to the essence of the ongoing peace talks, Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said.

“It also belies the real intent of the group....that they really do not desire a long, just and lasting peace for the country!" Padilla added.

As part of Central Committee message to NPA on its 48th anniversary last Wednesday, the CPP ordered the rebel group to “accelerate the recruitment of armed personnel in all regions across the entire archipelago.”

“Recruit large numbers from the educated youth and working class to become cadres and political officers in the New People’s Army,” the CPP stated.

The CPP also directed the NPA to “resolve the gross imbalance in growth and strength of NPA forces by carrying out a campaign to rectify errors to spur a dramatic increase in the NPA strength in Luzon and Visayas.”

“Combat military conservatism, militia-ism and civilianization in the people’s army,” the CPP noted.

“Increase several times over the number of people’s militia units in all barrios where there are Party branches, and build local guerilla units at the municipal or section levels where there are Party section committees,” it added.

The CPP directive was issued despite resumption of peace negotiations between the government panel and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines next month. Robina Asido/DMS