Vice President Sara Duterte has urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against terrorism and criminality following the death of New People's Army (NPA) leader Myrna Sularte this month.

Duterte said this after government troops killed the said high-ranking NPA official in an encounter in Butuan City on Feb. 12.

In a statement on Monday, Feb. 24, the Vice President warned that despite the military's success, threats to national security persist.

"Kailangan pa rin nating maging mapagmatyag laban sa terorismo at kriminalidad (We still need to be vigilant against terrorism and criminality)," she said.

"Agresibo sila sa pagpapalaganap ng baluktot na ideolohiya ng CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) (They are aggressive in spreading the distorted ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF)," she addedm referring to supposed individuals within the government who carry insurgency's influence.

Duterte stressed the importance of standing firm against the threats to national security.

"Lumaban tayo at tuluyang ibagsak ang CPP-NPA-NDF (Let us fight and completely overthrow the CPP-NPA-NDF)," she said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division and the 901st (Fight 'Em) Brigade, for their role in eliminating Sularte, whom she linked to violent acts such as killings, kidnappings, and the recruiting minors to the insurgency.

She said the military's operation marked the start of a new era for affected communities.

"Ang kanyang katapusan sa kamay ng ating mga magigiting na sundalo ay simula ng panibagong yugto (Her end at the hands of our brave soldiers is the beginning of a new chapter)," Duterte said.

The Philippines has long classified the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist organization, alongside designations by the United States and the European Union.