AFP backs Duterte plan to tag NPA as terrorist group

FILE: AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla (PNA photo)

MANILA— Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, on Sunday said the military supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement that he would classify the New People’s Army (NPA) as a terrorist group.

“On the matter concerning the NPA, government has done its part and negotiated with sincerity,” Padilla said.

Duterte said he was already ‘fed up’ with the recent actions of the communist rebels, and reiterated that he is “not any more inclined” to continue the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA.

Peace negotiations between the communist rebels and the government were stalled since February 4, after members of the NPA conducted a series of unprovoked attacks killing unarmed soldiers and police personnel, and burned millions of pesos worth of properties.

“We totally agree with the Commander-in-Chief in calling the NPAs terrorists because it is clearly reflected in the numerous criminal/lawless/terrorist acts that they have been committing against defenseless and innocent civilians,” Padilla added.