The National Democratic Front – Negros yesterday said its New People’s Army, as the true army of the people, will do its share in seeing to the ouster of President Gloria Arroyo.

Ka Frank Fernandez, NDF-Negros chief, in a statement said the NPA will launch tactical offensives against military troops loyal to the  Arroyo administration who are aggressively implementing “Oplan Bantay Laya 2” designed to keep the president in power.

Fernandez reiterated his call for anti-Arroyo factions in the Army, police and paramilitary forces to link up with them in their cause.

Col. Honorato de los Reyes, 303rd Infantry Battalion commander, said his troops are ready for any threat. “We will not relax, we will not let our guard down, our troops have been instructed to stay on alert,” he said.

He also said government troops remain loyal to the chain of command and will not heed the call of Fernandez.

Fernandez, in his statement, also said there are two types of bishops in the country today – those who are courageous enough to stand up for the truth and those who are not.

There are conservative bishops who have eyes but cannot see, have ears but cannot hear, have mouths but cannot speak, have hearts but cannot feel what is happening and the desire of the people for change, he said.

On the other hand, there are courageous bishops who are standing up for the truth, Fernandez said.

The NDF salutes the bishops with courage, especially Bishop Vicente Navarra and the priests of the Diocese of Bacolod, for saying that Arroyo has lost the moral integrity to lead and should resign, Fernandez said.

Fernandez also lauded leaders of the Philippine Independent and Protestant churches and other religious groups who have joined the call for the president to resign, and the La Salle community for standing up to the truth.

The NDF scored local officials who swiftly came to the defense of the president allegedly to protect their own economic interests and lauded those who have stood up for the truth.*CPG

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