Pres. Duterte calls communist rebels ‘spoiled brats’

“They are spoiled brat. They ask demands as if they are in the government,” President Duterte said in his speech during the launching of the ‘Hardin ng Lunas’ (Garden of Healing) at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Malacanang. (Photo: RICHARD MADELO/Presidential Photo)

MANILA –President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called communist rebels “spoiled brats” for demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners in the country.

“They are spoiled brat. They ask demands as if they are in the government,” President Duterte said in his speech during the launching of the ‘Hardin ng Lunas’ (Garden of Healing) at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Malacanang.

President Duterte explained that he allowed the release of at least 18 officials of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to be able participate in the ongoing peace talks abroad.

“They also want 400 (political prisoners). That is only given after a successful talks, then you grant amnesty,” the President said.

Last Friday, President Duterte lifted the ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA) after the rebels brutally killed three soldiers in Bukidnon.

A day later, the President announced the cancellation of peace talks with the communist rebels and ordered the members of the Philippine government peace panel to return him from Oslo, Norway.

President Duterte said he has alerted everybody, particularly the Bureau of Immigration, to arrest the communist peace negotiators when they come back.

“And they should go back to prison,” Duterte said.

“They killed my soldiers and even police. Peace is not possible during our generation. I’m sorry. I am not about to talk to them again,” he added.