Communist rebels in the Philippines vowed on Tuesday to launch attacks. -- PHOTO: AFP
MANILA - COMMUNIST rebels in the Philippines vowed on Tuesday to launch attacks against the military and companies that rejected extortion demands, ahead of a planned resumption of peace talks this month.
Arman Guerrero, a spokesman for the New People's Army's (NPA) political front, said all cadres were to launch the attacks after an 18-day Christmas ceasefire with government officially ended at midnight on Monday.
'Starting today... all members of the revolutionary movement... must launch tactical offensives to punish human rights violators,' Mr Guerrero said.
The NPA typically accuses the army of massive human rights abuses to justify their attacks, although Mr Guerrero said companies who 'do not follow the rules and policies' in its areas of influence were also fair game.
The NPA has been known to demand illegal 'revolutionary taxes' from mining and logging firms that operate in remote areas under its sway, as well as from local politicians.
The NPA's threat came as both sides were preparing to resume preliminary peace negotiations to be held in the Norwegian capital of Oslo this month, their first talks since 2004. -- AFP
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