By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The Chadli Molintas Command (CMC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) of the Ilocos and Cordillera Region said the more than four-decade armed struggle would continue to live on despite the recent arrest of one of the NPA’s top cadres.

The CMC in an emailed statement said the capture of Jovencio “Ka Dawa” Balweg and the subsequent arrest of his wife, Carmen “Ka Dumay” Balweg is a tactical setback for the local revolutionary movement. The CMC added, however, that the announcement of the leadership of the Philippine National Police-Cordillera that Balweg’s capture would spark an end to the local revolutionary movement is far from reality.

“Leaders of the revolutionary movement play an important role, but it is the millions of oppressed and exploited Filipinos who give life and drive the struggle for national liberation and democracy. This is a historical fact. Those trod upon by the boot of tyranny rise up to break the chains of their bondage.

“Ka Dawa and many revolutionary cadres from Abra are products of the fierce and valiant mass struggles against the oppressive Marcos dictatorship. Like them, many more cadres and guerrillas are being produced by the mass movement in Abra and the rest of the region against the tyranny of the US-backed Arroyo regime,” stated CMC Spokesperson Martin Montana.

Montana further said that even in prison, “Balweg remains part of the deep and undying forest that stands steadfast in the face of the storms cast by the enemy. He said that Balweg could continue his revolutionary role even while under detention.”

Balweg, 58, was arrested on May 20 in Barangay Camp 7 here. He was reportedly in the city for medical treatment of several illnesses including spinal canal stenosis, hypertension, and a recent mild stroke. After the arrest, Balweg and his wife were brought to Camp Crame where PNP officials alleged the couple declared their support and allegiance to the government of the Philippines.

Agustin Begnalen Command Spokesperson Diego Wadagan of the NPA-Abra in another e-mailed statement said the leadership of the PNP-Cordillera and the national hierarchy prematurely anticipated the end of the national democratic revolutionary struggle particularly in the province of Abra.

Wadagan added that the Balweg couple’s service to the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement cannot be understated. He said the three-decade harsh guerrilla life which they lived caused the deterioration of Balweg’s health.

“Building their family amid a raging revolutionary war brought immense sacrifices to each family member, their three sons growing up with relatives and foster parents. Weaknesses and mistakes they have committed cannot overturn their revolutionary contributions, unless they capitulate to the reactionary government, and turn against the people and the revolutionary movement to which they have offered exemplary service in the past,” Wadagan stated.

Wadagan ended the statement saying, “the resilience of the revolutionary movement is due to the objective conditions ripe for revolution and the people, not only the leaders, will wage the armed revolution until they achieve victory.”# nordis.net