President Rodrigo Duterte warned to declare martial law if the communist rebels continue to disrupt aid for Filipinos affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
“Maybe I will declare martial law. Ikaw na NPA, numero uno, hinaharang ang tulong sa tao, pati supply ng pagkain nila. Kaya I’m now warning everybody and putting notice sa AFP pati pulis (PNP),” Duterte said during a televised address on the extension of enhanced community quarantine on Friday.
“I might declare martial law and there will be no turning back kung ano ang martial law na klase na gagawin ko,” he added.
Duterte made the pronouncements after two soldiers were killed during an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) while distributing aid in Aurora province.
He vowed to eradicate all members of the communist group in the remaining two years of his term.
“Kung ano ang martial law na gagawin ko, akin lang iyan. Pinagpapapatay niyo ang sundalo at pulis na walang ginawa kundi samahan ang nagdedeliver ng pera. Pagka inutos ko sa kanila, lahat na, Tapusin na natin ito sa panahon ko. I have two more years. I will try to finish all of you,” he warned.
Earlier, Duterte threatened a martial-like lockdown after officials reported a rising number of people violating the enhanced community quarantine.
READ MORE: Duterte extends lockdown in Metro Manila, other high-risk areas until May 15
