Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar. INQUIRER file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday welcomed the designation of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) as a “terrorist organization” saying the group “could no longer claim to be peace talks consultants” whenever they are arrested.
Eleazar made the reaction after the Anti-Terrorism Council approved Resolution No. 21 to designate NDF as a terrorist group since June 23, but was only publicized on Monday.
The NDF has been in peace negotiations with the government, on behalf of the Community Party of the Philippines (CPP), and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Napakarami nang mga miyembro at lider ng CPP-NPA na ginagawang dahilan ang pagiging umano’y peace talks consultant kapag sila ay naaresto,” Eleazar said in a statement.
(So many members of CPP-NPA reasoned out that they are peace talks consultants whenever they’re arrested.)
“Sa pagdeklara ng NDF na isang teroristang grupo, mawawalan na ng palusot ang mga taong ito at lalo lang mapapalakas ang ating mga operasyon upang tuluyan ng wakasan ang mga grupong ito na naghahasik ng karahasan sa mga kanayunan,” he added.
(With the declaration of NDF as a terrorist group, they will no longer have any alibi, and our operations to end this group’s violence in the countryside will be strengthened.)
Following its designation as “terrorist group,” the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has issued a freeze order against the properties, funds, and other accounts of NDF.
President Rodrigo Duterte officially terminated the peace talks between the government and the communist rebels.