Dissent is ostracized and criminalized to isolate those who are defying and challenging the powers that be.

“This ‘terrorist’ proscription of the revolutionary movement of the the CPP-NPA, used by past and present governments to criminalize dissent, has created a political climate favorable to illegal arrests, extra-judicial killings and various forms of human rights violations perpetrated by elements of the state against unarmed activists and even innocent civilians.”

“It is important to underscore how the decision concluded that the CPP and NPA are not terrorists, rather, are waging armed resistance with clear political aims and directs its attacks, not against civilians, but against agents of the reactionary state represented by the government of the Republic of the Philippines.”

“Let us not be cowed. We are on the right side of history. We will continue to fight for the country. In the midst of lies and oppression, our call remains – we will struggle on.”

“[Marcos] should garner support from the international community in pressuring China to comply with the international ruling and abandon their irrational claim over our waters.”