Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 3) — President Rodrigo Duterte again threatened armed communist rebels that he’ll soon implement a “severe measure” in dealing with them.
“I’d like to say to the communists, you have crossed the red line,” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City Friday night.
He was referring to the brutal killing of four police officers in Ayungon town, Negros Oriental on July 18, allegedly by members of the New People’s Army (NPA). The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which has waged an insurgency for the past five decades.
He said the NPA’s alleged torture of policemen was the last straw.
“You know, I have been mayor of this city for 23 years. There never was a time that the military or myself allowed torture or to hurt people who surrendered from the NPAs or captured,” Duterte said.
“I’ve been telling you, I will implement a more severe measure. What — what is it? Maghintay lang kayo. Kasi sabi ko sumosobra na kayo (Just wait. Because you’ve done too much),” he added.
The President revealed what he has ordered government forces so far to “give them what they deserve.”
“I will give you tit for tat. That’s my order to the military,” he said.
The nation awaits Duterte’s next move as the Palace said placing Negros Island under martial law is among the President’s options. The government believes the NPA were behind the spate of killings there. At least 21 people were killed in Negros Oriental province alone in a span of a little more than a week.
The NPA denied hand in the slays, and instead pointed to cops who are allegedly part of vigilante group “Duterte Death Squad.”
The Commission on Human Rights has said there is no need to declare martial law in the region, noting that both the police and local officials have assured that the situation is under control.
The Constitution states that the President as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces may place the entire country or any part of it under martial law “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it.”
Martial law has been in place in the island region of Mindanao since May 2017, following the attack on Marawi by local and international terrorists. It will be in effect there until yearend, although National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon plans to recommend its extension until December 31, 2020.
Malacañang earlier said a possible martial law declaration on Negros Island could be separate from the one in Mindanao.
