Duterte vows to crush Reds anew

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday again vowed to crush the New People’s Army (NPA) after the administration suspended backchannel talks with the communist movement for a three-month review of the agreements on the peace talks.

“They will be decimated. It’s not time for us to journey into another ideological setup. Hayaan muna natin itong demokrasya na ito (Let’s live with this democracy for now). Of course, it’s a topsy-turvy thing,” Duterte said during the oathtaking of barangay officials in Zamboanga del Sur.

He said several NPA rebels opted to surrender during his administration. “I assure you their numbers are dwindling,” he said.

The President said the Armed Forces will not allow losing its members to the communist rebels.