Esperon wants CPP outlawed

By Ronron
March 16, 2007

If he had his way, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff would have recommended the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as in illegal organization.

If it happened, mere membership with the CPP would be enough basis for arrest.

“If I will be asked to recommend, I will recommend the outlawing of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Esperon said during the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) forum on Thursday night in Makati City.

The CPP became a legal organization in 1986 upon the repeal of Republic Act 1700. Then President Corazon Aquino made the move to encourage communists to go back to the folds of the law.

But Esperon said the communist movement took advantage of it by still maintaining its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), even as it has placed representatives in Congress.

Last week, an official of the government’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) also warned that the CPP may be enlisted as a terrorist group once the Human Security Act of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, takes effect on July 14, 2007.

If it happens, the government will have the legal basis to arrest CPP members.

And, under the Revised Penal Code, membership in illegal organizations is penalized for at least six months up to six years.

The CPP marked its 38th anniversary last December./DMS