The death of 83-year-old Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison could be a symbol of the crumbling leadership of the remaining insurgents, said the Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday, after the report of Sison's passing on Friday.
According to the DND, Sison was responsible for the deaths of many people including innocent civilians, soldiers, police, child and youth combatants.
It added that the CPP-NPA-NDF (New People's Army-National Democratic Front) had shed blood that led to destruction and conflict for thousands of Filipinos for five decades.
The DND also noted that the new generation without Sison dawns for a better Philippines as the substantial stumbling block of peace is already gone and the country is now at peace.
Moreover, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Colonel Medel Aguilar said that Sison's death serves as an opportunity for his substitute to turn away from the armed struggle.
He added that there were a total of 2,112 insurgents as of the last validation and the figure has declined since then, expressing his optimism that Sison's death will continuously weaken the underground movement.
Aguilar said that the organization was left with no purpose and clear direction and that CPP needs a good ' teacher' and 'guiding light' that will lead the members away from violence and destruction.
Meanwhile, Chief Col. Redrico Maranan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Office (PIO), said that the death of Sison causes a huge blow to the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Founded in 1968, the CPP would mark its 54th founding anniversary on December 26.
It is the political wing of the NPA.
