QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that President Rodrigo Duterte has the power to order the arrest or even the shooting of armed rebel groups.
“Of course (he is within bounds), because anyone who bears arms is guilty of rebellion. The crime of rebellion is the crime of taking up arms against the government,” he said in a phone interview with media.
Roque also said that armed groups fighting the State and victimizing civilians are considered rebels and that the President should not allow them to have their way.
“So natural, so when you are bearing arms against the government you are engaged in crime, you are supposed to implement the law and yes, the President has that power to implement the law. It is a domestic, not an international armed conflict, and an arms-bearing rebel is a proper military target,” he added.
During a speech at the Sual wharf in Pangasinan on Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military and police to shoot atarmed NPA terrorists.
“So if there is an armed NPA there or terrorist, if he’s holding a firearm – shoot,” the President said.
Earlier, the President announced that he will issue an executive order declaring the members of the New People’s Army and other related communist groups as a terrorist organization.
