President Duterte told members of the New People's Army (NPA) to not take the cash aid that the government is giving to the people amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, saying they should just "stand aside" if they can't be of any help.
Duterte made the statement following reports of rebels supposedly taking the entire P5,000 worth of cash aid or "ayuda" from the recipients. The money was part of the assistance given by government to the victims of typhoon "Odette".
In his pre-recorded public address aired late Thursday night, Jan. 6, the President actually had some good things to say about the communist rebels.
"But still, I have a good word for you. Thank you for not being an obstructionist in the operation in the matter of the aid given to the people," he said.
Duterte, however, lamented over how some members of the NPA are allegedly taking the cash aid that the government is giving the vulnerable sector.
"Balita ko lang, pinupuntahan ninyo. Iyong ibang reports sabi kinukuha ninyo ‘yung pera (I heard you are going to the people. Some reports are saying that you are taking the money)," he said.
"That’s stupid. Eh tulong ‘yan sa kapwa tao. Maghingi lang kayo, maski P500 okay na ‘yan. Huwag ninyong kunin lahat ng pera ng tao (That's our assistance to our fellowmen. Just ask them, even P500 is enough. Don't take everything from them)," he added.
The President reminded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that the country is still facing a pandemic. The NPA is the military arm of CPP.
"I’m directing myself to the Communist Party of the Philippines, at this time of our national life we are having a serious problem," he said.
"If you cannot cooperate, if you cannot help, then you, maybe, just stand aside and let the government --- allow government to operate," he added.