Duterte vows to arm rebel returnees if harassed by communists

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday vowed to protect rebel returnees and arm them if communist rebels would hunt them down.

Speaking at the decommissioning of members of a breakaway revolutionary group in Capiz, Duterte said insurgents who laid down their arms are now part of the government who must be protected at all cost.

“Sumama na kayo sa gobyerno e di gobyerno na tayong lahat. We are now duty-bound to protect you,” he said.

Duterte even said in jest he would give them military tanks to protect themselves.

“Kung ipitin kayo ng mga komunista at they really want trouble, I will give you a new firearm,” Duterte said. “O gusto ninyo tangke de giyera? Marunong kayo?”

In his speech, Duterte also asked the rebel returnees to take advantage of government programs and become its partner in building a more prosperous, and equitable Philippines.

Duterte was in Jamindan, Capiz to witness the disposition of firearms and forces of the 727 Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army- Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara-Paduano Group (RPMP-RPA-ABB-TPG).

The RPMP-RPA-ABB-TPG, now known as the Kapatiran sa Progresibong Lipunan, is a breakaway group of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The group signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2000.