AFP to pursue NPA rebels ‘without reservation’

In this photo taken in December last year, New People’s Army rebels in North Central Mindanao region gather to mark the Communist Party of the Philippines’ 48th anniversary. JIGGER JERUSALEM

Now that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army as terrorist organizations, the military said its troops can now pursue the Maoist guerrillas without any restrictions.

“This will certainly ensure that the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) can now fully execute and perform its mandate without reservation and restrictions. Having said that, the AFP’s focused military operations will now become even more precise, simple and effective,” AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a statement on Tuesday.