STATE PROSECUTORS have begun documentation of incidents that will support the Department of Justice (DoJ)’s petition for proscription to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations, in accordance with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s proclamations to that effect. “I have around 15 incidents. Baka i-zero namin ito sa (We might bring this down to) 10 or 12. These are very recent incidents,” Prosecutor Peter L. Ong said in a press briefing on Jan. 3. Mr. Ong said the prosecution will focus on the incidents that transpired “after (Mr. Duterte) assumed (the) presidency on July 1, 2016.” He added: “Kasi (Because) at that point, the President was extending his hand by showing good faith and sincerity for a just and lasting peace and yet…tactical offensives ang naging kapalit ng (were the response to) peace negotiations,” Mr. Ong said. The prosecutor said the DoJ is finalizing its petition and may submit this to the Supreme Court “within the month.” — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz
