“An armed NPA is a fighter who is a valid military target given that they are engaged in a non-international armed conflict with government,” Roque said. I assure you, no armed NPA will surrender to authorities. He said the executive order will effectively treat the communist rebels as criminals. Duterte said he is prepared to defend his men against allegations of human rights violations in killing NPA rebels. Roque said Duterte acted within legal bounds when he directed security forces to kill any armed NPA rebel.

Source: Philippine Star December 01, 2017 16:27 UTC