(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, Oct. 2, called for the “neutralization” of members of the New People’s Army.
“Pag may dala ka ng baril diyan, Sparrow ka, you can be neutralized,” Duterte said, referring to the NPA’s hit squad.
According to Duterte, “huwag mo na akong bigyan ng b***sh*** na warrant-warrant.”
Duterte said that in the first place, the rebels were committing the crime of rebellion “24 hours a day.”
“I will be criticized but I’m telling you, I am guiding you what is practical and what is true and legal. Legal ‘yan,” he said.
He said he would back soldiers who got into trouble in the performance of their duties, and called on the rebels to surrender.
Duterte terminated peace talks with the Communist rebels last year, following what he said were their atrocities that included the killing of a baby.
The talks were supposed to resume in June, but the President suspended this, saying there was a need to consult the public beforehand.
Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison slammed Duterte and his alleged insincerity, but the President stood firm on his decision.
The government later said it would back localized peace talks instead.