President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue its case in declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.
Duterte gave the directive on Tuesday as he convened the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (EC-NSC) at the Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte and select government officials “reviewed and discussed issues and concerns which disturb our national security.”
Among the matters discussed, Panelo said, were the “recent anarchical activities” of the communist rebels.
He said the President was “unwavering with regard to the issue as a result of the communist group’s efforts in infiltrating and overthrowing the government.”
“[Duterte] ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue the proscription case against the CPP/NPA/NDF as a terrorist organization,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the Chief Executive announced the creation of a national task force “in order to address the armed conflict occasioned by the local communists.”
He also directed “that an in-depth investigation be undertaken anent the shooting incident in Sagay, which resulted in the deaths of nine farmers.”
Martial law extension
Panelo said the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao was also tackled during the meeting in Cebu.
“Taking into account the lingering terrorist and communist threats, the EC-NSC committed to put into study the possible lifting or further extension of martial law therein,” he said.
Factors that were initially considered by the committee, he said, “were the outlook of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao, an overwhelming majority of whom support martial law in view of the present situation they are in, the facilitation it will bring in rehabilitating Marawi and regaining normalcy in Mindanao, and indispensable constitutional and legal factors.”
“The President is very much involved in various matters concerning our country but considers national security as one of the most vital concerns that must always be overseen by the government,” he said. /kga