Updated (8:01 p.m.)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte taunted anew communist rebels, saying they were doomed because they no longer have food and was losing the race for land reform to the government.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a speech at the distribution of land reform titles to more than 13,000 beneficiaries in Central Mindanao, Duterte mocked New People’s Army rebels, saying they, along with drug dealers, were the cause of what the President said was “family dysfunction.”

“Whether you like it or not, you NPAs out there, you’re now headed for your doom, you don’t have food, you’re surrounded by leeches,” Duterte said as he handed titles to more than 24,000 hectares of land subjected to agrarian reform.

He said he has been distributing land titles, unlike rebels who merely promise to bring genuine land reform, which lies at the heart of the countryside rebellion that has gone on for more than 50 years now and killed thousands.

The President also lamented how children were unable to see their parents who have decided to join the armed movement.

Peace talks between the government and communist rebels have been on and off under the Duterte administration.

In March, Duterte announced that he will formally close the door on the possible resumption of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), telling them to just “talk to the next President.”

He added that he had told the military and police to “finish” the insurgency.

However, Duterte said communist rebels who will lay down their arms will be given livelihood and education for their children.

READ: Duterte shuts door on peace talks: Talk to the next President

ADVERTISEMENT

READ: Duterte on peace talks with Reds: It’s useless, I give up

Read Next

EDITORS' PICK

MOST READ