All units of the New People’s Army Negros Island Regional Operational Command have been instructed to focus all efforts in helping the people affected by typhoon Odette within the territory of each guerrilla front, Ka Juanito Magbanua, NPA Apolinario Gatmaitan Command spokesperson, said.
Based on the instructions of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA units were instructed to organize and mobilize the people collectively in repairing destroyed houses, farms and other sources of livelihood and take heed of public health, he said.
“On the other hand, all units must be alert against enemy plans to sabotage our relief and rehabilitation efforts and launch defensive actions if enemy attacks cannot be avoided and NPA units are put in danger,” Magbanua stated.
Meanwhile, National Democratic Front (NDF) – Negros noted that the most affected by typhoon Odette are poor peasants and farm workers in the countryside and the poor fisherfolks along the shoreline.
NDF-Negros Spokesperson Ka Bayani Obrero, said the people are still suffering from the effects of the regime’s militarist measures on the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are again abandoned by the state.
“This calamity has worsened poverty and hunger among the people. Their homes are most affected; wrecked by strong winds and falling debris. Their source of livelihood is also destroyed with farmlands ruined and no work is available while the haciendas and other work areas are still recovering from devastation,” Obrero said.
The NDF-Negros echoed the call of the CPP for immediate assessment of the destruction and organizing relief missions and rehabilitation campaigns to aid Negrosanons.
It also called on local governments, from the barangays up to the province level, to give full assistance to those affected, especially the farmers and fisherfolk.
It also urged the people to launch collective actions and as a community help one another in recovering from typhoon Odette.*