Palace: Troops ready to counter terror groups disrupting COVID-19 relief

Malacañang assures the public that the government will not allow terror groups to disrupt COVID-19 relief efforts, stating that troops are assigned to counter such threats.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that the government anticipated actions by groups like the New People's Army (NPA).

Roque explained that soldiers are deployed both to combat these groups and to assist in COVID-19 relief operations.

President Duterte has previously stated he will not resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) due to the NPA's attacks on soldiers during the pandemic.

The President also mentioned that the NPA shows no respect for agreements or for the lives of soldiers on humanitarian missions.

The government has indicated that the NPA should not expect another ceasefire following their recent attacks.

President Duterte had previously threatened to declare martial law if the NPA's lawlessness persisted.

Duterte expressed gratitude to the police and military for their sacrifices during the pandemic but lamented the loss of lives during humanitarian missions.