President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday once again slammed the armed wing of the Communist Party of Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA), for attacking government forces despite declaration of holiday ceasefire from both parties.
Duterte, who earlier tagged the Reds as terrorists, said that the communists have no sense of honor.
“Itong mga komunistang ito hambugero. Kung mag-salita, akala mo sino. Sabi ko, “Kaya ikaw, mga terorista kayo.” Tingnan mo, ceasefire, may — Saan ba yun? May inatake na naman sila. Walang honor talaga itong mga p******* i**** „to. L**** [These communists are arrogant. They talk as if they are somebody. That’s why I called them terrorists. Look, ceasefire, where was that? They attacked (troops) again. They really have no honor],” said Duterte during the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s briefing in Lanao Del Norte.
“But I did not declare war with them. Akin [for me], unilateral ‘yung akin [mine is unilateral]. There was not… no, no agreement between us and the NPA. Kaya ang [That’s why the] forces of government are free to operate. Eh inumpisahan nila eh [They started it],” he added.
The chief executive was referring to the NPA’s attack on government troops during Christmas day that resulted in a two-minute firefight between the military and the rebels.
The Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division (ID) reported that 30 fully-equipped rebels tried to kidnap the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary member Arbilito Catampao, and on the same day at around 7 p.m., the Melale Patrol Base under the 72nd Infantry Battalion was also harassed by an undetermined number of communist rebels believed to be members of Guerilla Front 34.
The government has earlier declared holiday truce from December 23 to December 26, and from December 30 to Jan. 2, 2018. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) also declared its own ceasefire.
Duterte earlier said that he finds the Rebels no different to the international terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS).
“You are almost the same as ISIS. It’s an empty thing. There is no ideology except to destroy and kill,” Duterte said.