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'WAG NA KAYONG MAKIGULO'

DND's Lorenzana says NPA not target of martial law


Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday denied that Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is a target of President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

"We would like to make it clear that in the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not specifically target the New People's Army as alleged by NDFP Chief Consultant Jose Maria Sison," Lorenzana said.

The Defense chief said that with or without the martial law declaration in Mindanao, members of the NPA will be "dealt" with if they "engage in criminal and illegal acts such as kidnapping, extortion, murder, and the destruction of property."

Lorenzana's statement came three days after the CPP called on its armed wing to intensify offensives to resist Duterte's declaration of martial law.

The Defense secretary called on the CPP-NPA not to "force the government's hand" and abide by the peace process to move forward with their negotiations.

"Huwag na kayong makigulo pa sa nangyayari ngayon sa Mindanao. Do not force the government's hand. Immediately stop all illegal activities and abide by the true spirit of the peace process. This is the only way we can move forward," Lorenzana said.

He added that the military will abide by the parameters by which Duterte declared martial law and will not commit human rights abuses as the CPP fears.

"We will fully comply with the directives of the President that martial law was declared to address radical Islamic terrorism and narco-terrorism in Mindanao," Lorenzana explained.

Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law last Tuesday, following the Maute group's attack in Marawi City.

The declaration will be in effect for 60 days. —Rie Takumi/ALG, GMA News

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