Panelo tells CPP-NPA: Do not test DU30’s patience

By Jom Garner / Daily Tribune

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo on Wednesday warned the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) that its recent offensives may face retaliation from President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Remember rebels, do not test the president’s patience as it has limitations. Just like what he said before: ‘Do not force me to do something that I do not want and also you do not want,’” Panelo said in his daily online program “Counterpoint”.

The rebels attacked police officers on a food aid mission in Buenavista, Quezon Province over the weekend.

“I thought you are fighting for the masses? The government is giving them relief packs and yet you ambushed them,” Panelo added.

The encounter killed a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit while one was wounded in the incident last Saturday.

Panelo also took a swipe at the convicted couple Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria, alleged leaders of NPA who jumped bail.

“These people, I don’t know what to do with these people who mercilessly killed their fellow Filipinos, destroying the assets of entrepreneurs if they didn’t give tax,” the former Palace mouthpiece added.

Earlier this week, Duterte condemned the reported attack and said that no peace talks will ever succeed under his watch or under any leadership if attacks against the government and civilians continue.