Communists are biggest threat to the Philippines –Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said communists were the biggest threat to the Philippines.

“The number one threat to the country, hindi Abu Sayyaf, hindi mga terrorista of no value. Ito ‘yong high-value targets, itong mga komunista,” Duterte said in his nationally-televised address.

“Kaya ang utos ko talaga sa Armed Forces na sundalo, upakan mo,” he added.

The President also said that both Abu Sayyaf and the Communist Party had taken advantage of the  COVID-19 pandemic, but while the former were terrorists with no ideology, the latter had a “more pernicious effect.”

Furthermore, the fight against the New People’s Army “undermined the national security of the country.”

“If I don’t do my duty as president… we might bargain away, place in jeopardy the democratic values Filipinos have enjoyed for the longest time,” Duterte said.

He also hoped he would not have to do something “more drastic” about the situation.

“‘Wag na tayo sana umabot sa… that I have to kill you, kung wala nang iba.” — DVM, GMA News