IS IT REALLY A MASSACRE?

We pity those who died in Paquibato. We are saddened by their loss. As always, we reiterate…we hate violence and we prefer peaceful negotiations.

What happened to the recent incident is a serious matter. Loss of life, whether of the NPAs, the Militaries and Civilians is indeed a very serious matter.

The reports stated that the victims have with them high powered arms and explosives. However, activist groups like PASAKA and ANAKBAYAN claims that it is a heinous massacre and associated it to the so-called “fascist” government that we have and their condemnation to AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan. What has been established is that, those who were killed has with them arms and explosives and they are one of the members of the New People’s Army. So, is it really a massacre or an encounter?

Also, you did mention in your interview with one of the newspaper that one of the victims is a member of an association. Isn’t that association is also associated or perhaps another legal front of the New People’s Army?

If the PASAKA and ANAKBAYAN insist that what happened is a massacre, then how can you explain the fact or presence of the high powered arms?

If you say that evidences are planted, may be the army is very well aware that you will run after them and the government agencies will create fact finding groups to ascertain the truth, so where would there lies go? If you say its massacre, the proof that it is still has to be proven. The Commission on Human Rights is now on their way to unravel the real truth of this incident and we should just wait for its result—only then that we can conclude, if it is indeed a massacre or not.

What if the soldiers were the ones killed, would you also consider it a massacre? PASAKA and ANAKBAYAN, would you also rally for them?