Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte has urged Filipinos not to be deceived by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Duterte made the statement Thursday evening as she sent her condolences to the family of Sgt. Jernell Ramillano who recently died in an encounter with insurgents in Batangas.

“Dili na kita magpatonto sa mga terorista nga sa dugay nga panahon nahimong babag aron atong masinati ang pamuyo nga malinawon ug matagamtaman ang kalambuan sa atong mga komunidad (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 said.

She also commended Ramillano for his brave and heroic service to the country.

“Mananatili sya sa puso at isipan ng bawat Pilipino at ang kanyang katapangan at pagmamahal sa bansa ay magsisilbing inspirasyon ng bawat isa sa amin upang mas mapabuti pa ang paglilingkod sa bayan (He will remain in the hearts and minds of every Filipino, and his bravery and love for the country will serve as an inspiration for each of us to better serve the country),” Duterte said.

Ramillano and his family, she said, are just some of the victims of violence being perpetrated by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Duterte recalled that when she was mayor of Davao City in 2018, the mother of 1st Lt. Jaren Relota, who also died fighting the CPP-NPA-NDF, asked her how many more lives would be lost because of the rebel group.

“Marami pang Sgt. Ramillano at 1st Lt. Relota ang magbubuwis ng buhay kung ipagsasawalang-bahala natin ang traydor, mapanlinlang, at marahas na kalabang CPP, NPA, at NDF (There will be a lot more Sgt. Ramillanos and 1st Lt. Relotas who will sacrifice their lives if we ignore the treachery, deceit, and violence of the CPP-NPA-NDF),” she said.

The DepEd chief also warned that more Filipino children would not finish their schooling if they were left alone to be recruited by insurgents.

Duterte said she believes that the only objective of the CPP-NPA-NDF is to destroy the country’s foundation of democracy; abolish the government institutions; and drive the country into poverty, chaos, and injustice.

She recently expressed her full support for the government’s peace efforts but requested President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. not to grant amnesty to the rebel group.

Duterte also cited the joint communiqué between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front as an “agreement with the devil.” (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial