Duterte hosts 3rd batch of former NPA members in Malacañang

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday hosted a dinner for nearly 200 former members of the New People’s Army in Malacañang where he reiterated the negative impact of armed struggle to society.

“Speaking before the rebel returnees, Duterte said the rebel group [has] been fighting the government for the past 50 years and has brought nothing except misery to the lives of the people,” the Palace said in a news release.

“The demand for a coalition government by the communists is not acceptable, the President said, noting that in order to assume power, one must win the elections,” it added.

Duterte also promised the 187 former rebels financial assistance, education, training, and integration to the Armed Forces and pledged to bring female rebel returnees to Hong Kong for them to see the achievements of capitalist societies.

President Duterte hosted a dinner on Tuesday for 187 surrenderees from the New People's Army in Malacañang. In his speech, the President promised the former rebels financial assistance, education, training, and integration to the Armed Forces. ????: Palace @gmanews pic.twitter.com/HdpULcBs3l

— Virgil Lopez (@virgillopez) March 7, 2018

The Palace has yet to release a full transcript of the President’s speech during the event, which was closed to media.

Tuesday’s event marked the third time that Duterte welcomed former communist rebels in the presidential palace.

The President hosted 215 rebel returnees on February 7 and 238 on February 21.

Both groups were part of the 683 former rebels who were presented to Duterte in Davao City last December. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News