NAPC’s Liza Maza says CPP-NPA not terrorists

FILE: National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza (Photo: MARO-PCO)

National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor Liza Maza denounced the petition filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking to formally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed group, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorists.

According to Maza, the DOJ’s petition includes names of peace negotiators and consultants, leaders and members of legal organizations, human rights workers, community organizers, former Catholic priests, and even fellow activists.

“Such a “terror list” is inconsistent with the administration’s promise to provide space for the democratic participation of the people and their organizations. I fear that this list may be used to intimidate and harass individuals and organizations whose legitimate causes are pushing for an agenda of change,” Maza said on Wednesday, March 14.

“We cannot allow such irreparable damage to the prospects of resuming the peace talks,” she added.

She urged the Justice Department to withdraw the petition and called for the immediate resumption of the peace talks with the communist rebels.

“At a time when Filipinos are clamoring for a long-awaited end to our country’s many long-standing woes, such as poverty, there is simply no place for persecution and intimidation,” she noted.

Maza said that the government could not ignore or deny the roots of armed conflict “by going after the members and leaders of democratic organization that are advocating for comprehensive solutions.”

She added that the administration must ensure that there is enough space for “meaningful and democratic” participation of the people.

“Only then can the country move closer once again to achieving just and lasting peace,” Maza stressed.

Earlier this month, the DOJ filed the petition before the National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19.

According to the petition, the list included CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison “Joma” Sison, United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, and several members of the communist group.

This appeal was filed pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9372 of ‘The Human Security Act of 2007.’