NTF-ELCAC: Community pantries welcome amid pandemic but Reds exploiting to destabilize govt
QUEZON CITY, April 21 (PIA) -- The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Tuesday lamented the alleged exploitation of public-initiated community pantries in different parts of the country by the communist movement to further its propaganda of bringing down the government.
In a statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy said while the opening of community pantries is a welcome development, some communist elements are reportedly taking advantage of the Filipinos’ "Bayanihan" spirit, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to help struggling Filipinos and make them believe that the government is “inutile.”
“Kami sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ay natutuwa sa pag-usbong ng pakikibahagian ng pagkain sa nangangailangan na noon pa man ay nangyayari na sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas — at nangyari lahat ng kabutihang asal na yan na walang media coverage at walang pa-press con [conference],” said Usec. Badoy, who is also the NTF-ELCAC spokesperson.
Badoy’s statement came amid the supposed “red-tagging” of community pantry organizers.
In a report by the Philippine News Agency, Ana Patricia Non, the person behind the movement to help Filipinos in need amid the pandemic, announced on Monday the temporary closure of the community pantry on Maginhawa Street in Quezon City due to the alleged “red-tagging” incident.
Non also posted several screenshots, including a Facebook post shared by NTF-ELCAC claiming that the community pantry is being used for communist propaganda.
Badoy renewed her call to stop using the term “red-tagging” which she said was merely invented by the CPP-NPA-NDF to destabilize the government as she appealed to the CPP-NPA-NDF to "stop fooling our fellow countrymen."
“Kung kaya’t kami ay umaapela sa CPP-NPA-NDF na tigilan na ang panloloko sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
“Kahit minsan, tigilan nyo ang paggamit sa mabubuting puso ng Pilipino para lokohin at ilagay sa kapahamakan,” she added.
Meanwhile, a Facebook post by anti-communist page Peace Philippines, which was shared by the NTF-ELCAC, grabbed photos of community pantries that are allegedly being used by the communist group to launch a massive recruitment drive.
Peace Philippines claimed “Tulong Kabataan,” an organization allegedly created by CPP-NPA-NDF, has control of some community pantries to get funds and recruit members.
Badoy also questioned the community pantry organizers who are asking for cash donations, saying it is unnecessary.
“Hindi kailangan humingi ng cash na donasyon — lalo dollars. Sapat na ang pagbigay na kung ano ang kaya nating ibigay,” she said.
Badoy added that it is unacceptable to use the setting up of community pantries to convince Filipinos to unseat President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“Kung pagbigay ng pagkain lang ang tunay na pakay nyo, bakit may kailangang pang dugtong na patalsikin ang isang Pangulong nahalal ng marapat at matuwid at ayon sa ating Saligang Batas na suportado at pinagkakatiwalaan ng nakararami sa atin?” she said.
However, despite the supposed ulterior motive of some people behind the setting up of community pantries nationwide, Badoy said the NTF-ELCAC would support those who embody the “real” Bayanihan spirit to help their fellow Filipinos survive amid the COVID-19 crisis, including support to any advocacy for a better community, adding that, "the real strength of a nation is its citizens."
“Buong-buo ang suporta ng NTF-ELCAC sa ano mang adhikain na makapagtuturo ng mabuting pamayanan sa ating mga kababayan dahil ang tutoong pwersa at lakas ng isang bansa ay ang mga mamamayan nito,” Badoy said.
The official also expressed optimism that the Bayanihan spirit — such as the people’s cooperation with government workers who are working tirelessly since the pandemic broke out — would remain alive.
“Ang tutoong diwa ng Bayanihan ay ang pagkakapit-bisig ng mga mamamayan sa ating pamahalaan na gawa ng mga lingkod bayan na wala na yatang pahinga mula nung nagsimula ang pandemya na ito,” she said. (PIA NCR)
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