The DND expressed belief that the death of Sison is “a symbol of the crumbling hierarchy of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army -National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)”.
The DND said ”Sison was responsible for the deaths of thousands of our countrymen. Innocent civilians, soldiers, police, child and youth combatants died because of his bidding.”
“Five decades of brutal and bloody aggression against the state and the Filipino people have led to nothing but destruction and strife for thousands of Filipinos,” he added.
The DND called on the “remaining few believers, who have unwittingly turned themselves into the enemy of the people, still blinded by Sison’s duplicitous and failed promises, to turn their backs on the violent and false ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”
Col. Medel Aguilar, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman, said the death of Sison “will further weaken the underground movement.”
“The loss of a “teacher” and “guiding light” leaves the organization with no purpose and clear direction. But the organization needs to have a good teacher and guiding light who will lead its members away from violence and destruction,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for his successor, if there will be, to chart a new direction in promoting reforms. Hopefully, away from armed struggle,” he added.