Duterte threatens to order mass arrest of communist leaders

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that he would soon order the mass arrest of the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), following his signing of a proclamation declaring them as terrorist group.

“For those who are out temporarily, you just maybe zero-in now, because any day now, I will order for their mass arrest. Wala akong magawa eh. Ginusto ninyo (I cannot do anything about it. You asked for it), I’m addressing them to the TV, ginusto ninyo e (you asked for it),” Duterte said in a speech during the oath-taking of newly-appointed generals and flag officers.

READ: Duterte signs Proclamation No. 360 terminating peace talks with NPA

“I gave too much too soon. I know yung pulis, military medyo may sentimiento sa akin (I know the pulis and military have sentiments of me),” he said.

Duterte on Tuesday signed a proclamation declaring the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations. The copy of the document has yet to be made public after being processed by the Office of the President.

Duterte said the communist rebels would now be considered as common criminals.

The President said he had released about 32 political prisoners as part of the peace negotiations. This included the CPP’s top cadres, couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Alan Jazmines, and Tirso Alcantara. /jpv

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