Some netizens did not welcome the removal of tarpaulins tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as “persona non grata” in Metro Manila.
“Bilang [pinuno ng] kapitolyo ng bansa natin dapat kayo po mismo ang tumututol sa mga gawain ng terorista. Iba ang politika. iba ang terorismo,” said Jimmy Nadela Jr. in his post.
Several banners and tarpaulins saying the CPP-NPA-NDF is not welcome were spotted in various areas in Metro Manila this week. They were found from NCR’s borders along the North Luzon Expressway to Marcos Highway, C-5 Road, and Manila City, among other places.
The one displayed along Roxas Boulevard had logos of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
On Wednesday, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso ordered the Manila City-wide removal of the said tarpaulins.
“We spread love, not hate, in this time of pandemic,” Moreno said, as relayed by Manila Public Information Office.
Another netizen also opposed Moreno’s move. “Wrong. They should be declared persona non grata! Ang pagkokondena sa mga komunistang terorista at mga kakampi nila ay gawain ng responsable at mapagmalasakit indibidwal!” Ryan Santos RL said.
Some netizens oppose removal of anti-NPA tarps
Others said the CPP-NPA did not even consider that the country is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Oh, those groups do not recognize the pandemic. The mayor is a good person while those groups are traitors,” Salvacion Navaluna said in a post in Filipino.
“Why should we care for those traitors? Are they welcome to recruit members in Manila?” Norma Bernales said.
“Mayor Isko. Isa ka sa mga iniidulo ko lalo na sa pamumuno mo dito sa ka Maynilaan. Pero ngayon lang ako kokontra sa sinabi mo na ‘magkaisa muna.’ Ilang dekada na rin po tayo nakikisuyo sa mga NPA na makiisa, magbalik-loob pero ang sagot po nila ambush at harassment sa mga kasundaluhan at kapulisan,” netizen Joaquin Angelo said.
The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.