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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez tells Red rebels: Consider consequences of your actions 

Romualdez tells Red rebels: Consider consequences of your actions 

Published Dec 17, 2023 02:40 pm

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Romualdez has appealed to communist rebels to consider the consequences of their actions and choose the path of peace. 

IMG-5b16f18981cebd5fd6623b7f9cfb9c00-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Speaker Romualdez has appealed to communist rebels to consider the consequences of their actions and choose the path of peace. 

Romualdez had this to say following the bloody clash between members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and New People's Army (NPA) on Sunday, Dec. 17 in Balayan, Batangas. 

“In this light, I earnestly appeal to the insurgents to consider the broader implications of their actions on our country and its people. I urge them to abandon the path of violence and to rejoin the fold of the law,” Romualdez said in a statement. 

The firefight between the two sides took place even as the 300-plus strong House supported the amnesty proclamations of President Marcos for different rebel groups, including those linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). 

The NPA is the military wing of the CPP. 

“Our vision for a peaceful and prosperous Philippines can only be realized through collective efforts and a commitment to dialogue and understanding,” stressed Romualdez, Marcos top ally in the legislature. 

Reports said that six suspected NPA members lost their lives in a gun battle Sunday involving joint forces from the Philippine Army's 59th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. 

One soldier perished while three others were wounded and promptly transported to Medical Center Western Batangas for medical treatment. 

READ THIS: 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/12/house-adopts-4-concurrent-resolutions-favoring-marcos-amnesty-to-rebels

 

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of our soldier who bravely gave his life in the line of duty in Balayan, Batangas,” said Romualdez. 

“This loss is a profound reminder of the sacrifices our armed forces make to ensure our nation's security,” the House chief pointed out. 

“This event underscores the ongoing challenges we face in achieving lasting peace and stability," he said as he expressed solidarity with the wounded soldiers. 

“We also keep in our thoughts those who were wounded in this incident, and we join the executive department in assuring their families of the government’s full support during this difficult time,” he said.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines Martin Romualdez New People's Army
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