Commander-in-chief wants soldiers to prepare for battle versus the Communists.
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be alert for possible engagement with the New People’s Army (NPA).
This is after he has issued stern warning to lift the unilateral ceasefire with the NPA following the ambush of the rebel group to the convoy of CAFGU in Davao del Norte that killed one and injured four others.
“If you do not honor and you kill a single soldier or CAFGU which is also a soldier of the Republic, sabi ko kalimutan ko na lang ito. Fight na lang (I said, let’s just forget about this. Let’s just fight),” said Duterte.
The President said he wants the CPP to give him an explanation by Thursday night or else, he would scrap the ceasefire. He also demands that the NPA rebels responsible for the ambush be punished by the CPP leadership.
Duterte previously announced unilateral ceasefire with the NPA, National Democratic Front (NDF) and their mother organization, the Communist party of the Philippines (CPP), on his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday afternoon.
The president said it is utmost important to ensure the safety of the people in the midst of the threat that the rebel group is posing.
He also expressed dismay in the atrocity committed by NPA which is a sign of disrespect to the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) officials called for a meeting where the group made sure that they will investigate the said ambush.
Fidel Agcaoili, spokesman of the NDFP peace panel, said that they shall know the details of the said report because as far as they know, the NPA is in active defense mode starting July 26.
He cited that Ka Oris Madlos, leader of the NPA National Operational Command, announced the current status of the group. It is also confirmed that Duterte’s warning of lifting the unilateral ceasefire has already reached their side.
Though they guaranteed the conduct of an investigation, NDFP refused to set a deadline for releasing reports regarding the result.
