The government has denounced the local communist terrorists for worsening the pandemic following their continued atrocities.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said these terrorists chose to continue their "reprehensible activities" instead of giving the people a respite from armed conflict and violence.
"Indeed, local terrorism is itself a plague that worsens the pandemic we face," he said in a video message in observance of the International Humanitarian Law Day Thursday, August 12.
He said it was unfortunate that the government's pandemic response has been "greatly encumbered" by local terrorism. "But our obligation as government to protect our people at all times, which IHL constantly reminds us of, inspires us to be strong and focused in bringing about healing and recovery in these difficult times," he said.
In the same statement, Medialdea deplored that local communist terrorist groups have waylaid mercy missions conducted by government and private sector during the pandemic. These humanitarian missions were delivering coronavirus vaccines and food to far-flung places in the country.
He said these local terrorists likewise continued to destroy properties of government and private businesses that reject their extortion.
"Most tragic of all, communist and extremist groups have continued murdering innocent civilians in pursuit of their terrorist aims," he said.
"Recently, the world learned of the use of anti-personnel mines by the local communist group, when two cousins on a leisurely bike run in Masbate province in the Bicol region were killed. This tragedy exposed similar cases documented in the last few years," he said.
Faced with these terror acts, Medialdea said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has adhered to the humanitarian laws to protect human lives.
He said the military has been "careful" in its operations to act consistent with the rule of law, the well-being of civilians, and the transparency and accountability of all State actions.
The country is battling the pandemic that caused more a million of infections, weakened the economy, and left many people jobless and hungry. The government has imposed tighter movement controls in Metro Manila and several parts of the country this month to control the virus spread. The vaccination drive is being accelerated to boost people's protection and hopefully lead to the safe reopening of the economy.