Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while announcing that he has lifted the unilateral ceasefire with the New People's Army (NPA) during inauguration of the M’lang Solar Powered Irrigation System in Janiuay town, M'lang, North Cotabato last February 3. Malacanang photo via Reuters

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he will now consider the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army, and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as terrorist groups.

Duterte made the announcement following his suspension of the peace talks with communist rebels.

"From now on I will consider the CPP-NPA-NDF a terrorist group," Duterte said.

Duterte on Saturday suspended peace talks with the communists and urged its leaders involved in peace talks to come back to the country and surrender themselves.

He also told communist leaders and negotiators he released to return home and go back to prison.

Last Friday, Duterte also announced the end of the government's unilateral ceasefire with the Reds, following a series of armed clashes with communist rebels in previous weeks.

He said he has informed soldiers to prepare for a "long war" after lamenting the death of several soldiers.



The President is in Cagayan de Oro to visit the wake of three fallen soldiers who were killed in an ambush by NPA rebels.