‘The AFP should not look down on the CPP/NPA’s capacity to engage in various covert operations, especially against those involved in the killings of the Tiamzons and eight others.’
THE Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) celebrated its 50th anniversary last April 27 in glittering ceremonies at the Manila Polo Club.
Our heartfelt congratulations to the current and past officers led by its present chairman, Herman Basbano, of Bombo Radyo Philippines, and its president Ruperto Nicdao Jr. of the Manila Broadcasting Company. The guest of honor was no less than President Marcos Jr.
Which brings us to the late Cebu labor, civic leader and radio executive Cerge Remonde, who was voted KBP chairman for a record six terms. He later became director-general of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and press secretary of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
He was initially appointed as chairman and president of Channel 9 or the Radio Philippines Network. Remonde had been a highly-trusted media consultant of GMA since she was a senator.
There was tremendous pressure on Remonde to help develop and implement an intensified national media promo campaign for GMA before and during the presidential elections in 2004, when she ran against the extremely popular Fernando Poe Jr. The huge broadcast network of the KBP was certainly very helpful.
Rebuilding GMA’s public image after the “Garci tape” scandal in the wake of FPJ’s highly-questionable defeat was quite a challenge for Remonde, but his exceptional influence, especially in the broadcast industry, backed by Malacanang’s resources, augured well for him.
Some of his close friends had advised Remonde to resign his government position to avoid being tarnished by the widespread electoral fraud and the damaging public opinion against the GMA administration.
Apparently overworked and overly stressed, Remonde suddenly passed away due to a massive heart attack on January 20, 2010. He was found slumped at his condo unit in Makati and pronounced dead at the Makati Med. He was only 52. He told his wife a few weeks before he died that he was no longer happy with his work.
***
After the deaths of CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon and its secretary-general, Wilma Tiamzon, Benito’s wife, the military is hoping the leadership vacuum in the CPP/NPA would lead to the eventual collapse of the insurgency.
One of the major reasons why the military under then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile became disgruntled with President Cory Aquino was the release of some political detainees, including CPP chairman Joema Sison.
What followed was the nearly daily bloodbath in the streets of Metro Manila and in the provinces as NPA hitmen targeted police and military personnel almost at will, with the President helpless to stop the carnage.
The AFP should not look down on the CPP/NPA’s capacity to engage in various covert operations, especially against those involved in the killings of the Tiamzons and eight others.
***
Inspiring reflection from former SC chief justice Hilario Davide: “Expunge worries from your mind and remove hatred from your heart. Love most. Live simply. Give more, expect less.
Pray more, and you will see the miracles of life every day.”
