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Duterte likens NPA to ISIS after ambush on ‘humanitarian’ mission


President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday compared the New People's Army to the international terrorist group ISIS.

Duterte made the remark after he condemned the NPA's  attack on soldiers who were reportedly delivering aid to residents of Northern Samar affected by Tropical Depression Urduja.

“I am sick and tired of talking to you. Pareho kayo ng ISIS. It’s an empty thing. There is no ideology except to destroy and kill,” Duterte said in a speech at Camp Crame.

Duterte awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu on policemen who were either killed and wounded while fighting the ISIS-inspired Maute group that held Marawi City under siege for several months.

Duterte on December 5 signed Proclamation No. 374, tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA as terrorist organizations.

At a situation briefing on the effects of the tropical cyclone Urduja in Biliran, Duterte described the ambush as a "disturbing behavior."

"I strongly protest and I condemn the actions of the New People's Army. I would say that this is something which I have been telling you all along. It does not have the ideology anymore," Duterte said.

"The ideology they have nurtured for years is already gone. They are just a bunch of brigands," he added.

"That is why it is no longer—even productive for us to be talking to them. Ayaw ko na. And my request to the Armed Forces is really to just finish them," Duterte said.

"It's going to be a no quarters given, no quarters asked. And I'd like to urge the police and the Armed Forces to walk the extra mile to finish this sad chapter of our national life," he added.

According to news reports , at least 50 NPA members ambushed soldiersin Samar. Two soldiers were wounded because of the attack.

They were supposed to deliver aid to the residents of Barangay Hinagonoyan, Catubig town as Urduja battered Eastern Visayas over the weekend.

"Tumutulong na nga sa tao, pinagbabaril pa," Duterte said.

"[The President's] condemnation of the NPA attack on humanitarian soldiers engaged in humanitarian work in Samar, reiterating that this is the reason why he has opted to cease all talks with the NPA," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said in an audio briefer to reporters.

Duterte arrived in Biliran on Monday afternoon to inspect the damage caused by Urduja.

Roque earlier said that at least 31 people died and 49 are missing in areas hit by Urduja.

"[Duterte] of course condoled with the victims of typhoon Urduja and pledged that government will do everything it can to help Biliran rise again," Duterte said.

"He directed DILG to intensify rescue operations for individuals who are still missing," he added.

Duterte also asked the Department of Trade and Industry to monitor price surges, Roque said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways was also directed by the President to finish the two damaged bridges in Naval, Biliran in less than 30 days.

Roque also said that mayors expressed concern that other municipalities also suffered damage from Urduja.

"The president asked them to submit a list of projects they would need for their respective municipalities," Roque said.

Duterte also assured Biliran Mayor Grace Casil that he would order the Air Force to airlift aid food supplies after she expressed concern that food supplies in her area would only be enough for a day. —NB, GMA News

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