DAVAO CITY – Davao City first congressional district Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte urged victims of drug abuse and communist insurgency to break their silence and expose what he described as the “cruelty and deception” of these groups that continue to sow violence in the country.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, Duterte stressed the need to end the silence and bring to light the crimes committed by those involved in illegal drugs and the New People’s Army insurgency.
He said their silence only allows their operations to continue.
“It is time for you to speak up. It is time to expose the true brutality and deception of these criminals (illegal drug pushers and users) and rebel groups who continue to destroy our society,” Rep. Duterte said in the local dialect.
Labelling the NPA a terrorist organization, the lawmaker rejected the notion that the group should be viewed as victims.
Instead, he blamed them for the loss of countless lives and the displacement of many Filipinos, including soldiers, police officers, teachers, farmers, and the youth.
“The NPA is a terrorist organization. They are not victims. They are the reason why thousands of Filipinos have lost their lives, homes, and futures. Instead of fighting for peace, they bring violence, fear, and extortion to our communities,” he said.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and has been waging a decades-long insurgency. It has been officially designated as a terrorist organization by the Philippine government.
Rep. Duterte said the battle against the NPA is part of a broader national struggle, linking it to the government’s war on illegal drugs—both of which he sees as critical to the nation’s future and safety.
“Together with the campaign against illegal drugs and the fight against the NPA is a fight for the future of our children and the security of the entire country,” the lawmaker said, reiterating his support for former President Rodrigo Duterte’s hardline approach to peace and order.
“In support of the stand of former President Duterte, I encourage every Filipino who has been a victim of the NPA or drug addicts to speak up. Your stories matter. You are the real voice of the people. Let us not allow terrorists to twist the truth,” Rep. Duterte added.
Rep. Duterte assured the public that the government is ready to listen, protect, and act.
He emphasized that this is a fight for every Filipino who desires peace and justice.
Rep. Duterte’s remarks come amid renewed efforts by lawmakers and safety and security officials to address local insurgency and drug-related crimes, particularly in Mindanao and other vulnerable areas. (Ivy Tejano)
