The proclamation that categorizes the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA) as a group of terrorists has been finally signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday.
“As the President has stated before, he has finally classified the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization within the purview of the Human Security Act,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
The Palace said the declaration was made due to the CPP-NPA’s acts of violence “which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace.”
As stated in the order, Duterte also enabled the government to run after those who are supporting the CPP-NPA in any way.
Roque said that the domestic statute and the UN Security Council prohibit the giving of funds to terrorist organizations.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II told GMA News Online on Wednesday that there are “excellent chances” that the court will support the government’s decision to officially classify the CPP-NPA as terrorists because numerous supporting evidence show they committed terrorist activities despite the numerous initiatives from President Duterte to reach out to them.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 06/ 17)