AFP backs PRRD decision not to lift CPP-NPA terror tag

“The AFP supports the President’s statement that the NPA terrorist tag should remain for now as they have continued with their acts of terrorism such as arson, attacks on civilians and extortion,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement. (YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it strongly supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncements that he is not yet lifting his proclamation tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.

“The AFP supports the President’s statement that the NPA terrorist tag should remain for now as they have continued with their acts of terrorism such as arson, attacks on civilians and extortion,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement.

Datuin said what is more aggravating is that these attacks took place despite the government’s call for peace and unity as priority agenda with the expected resumption of the peace talks.

Duterte signed the proclamation in December last year, tagging the CPP-NPA as a terror group, based on Republic Act No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Despite the proclamation, Duterte said he would still give the CPP-NPA a small “window” to talk peace by inviting CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison to return to the Philippines.