Duterte: We will arrest communist rebels, including ‘legal fronts’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he would order the arrest not only of the communist rebels but “all legal fronts” aiding the Left.

“We will treat you as criminals; we will arrest you, including legal fronts. [The] legal fronts helping to topple government and sow terror,” Duterte said in a speech before the troops here.

The President had earlier said he would declare the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorists, adding that he would no longer want to pursue peace talks with the communists. /je