NTF ELCAC STATEMENT

Our hearts lie broken and we are awash in rage at the murder by the terrorist CPP NPA NDF of two children- 12 year old Andre Mercado and 13 year old Leandro Alivio on Feb 8, 2022 in Bgy Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar.

Terrorists open fired and purposely targeted the children who were in the vicinity of a firefight with government troops who were in hot pursuit of them. Instead of pointing their guns at the soldiers, these violent extremists pointed their guns at the two boys and their other companions - 2 of them minors as well- and open fired then the cowards who could only take on children, ran off.

This has what it has come down to. Not a war regarding creed or beliefs nor a war waged on political differences but pure and simple terrorism.

Our children have long been sacrificed at the altar of this inhumane and brutal ideology - communism- that has targeted the most helpless among us: the poorest of the poor, our children, our indigenous peoples.

And they have held our country hostage.

We therefore enjoin our people to stand united with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and bring to an even fuller vigor the whole of nation approach that will put behind bars the leaders of this terrorist organization and finally put an end to this bloody and tragic chapter in our country’s history.

And to finally make of our country what it is we’ve always ached for it to be: a haven for our children where they can play in the safety of our Nation’s embrace, and where they can grow up, fulfill their destinies and be the strong pillars of our democracy.

Magtulungan tayo.

Undersecretary Lorraine Marie T. Badoy

NTF ELCAC Spokesperson for Social Media Affairs and Sectoral Concerns