In a statement, Sison said that this “clearly” indicated a prelude to President Duterte placing the entire country under martial rule. ADVERTISEMENT“The regime overestimates the capability of its total armed strength of 170,000 in an archipelago of 115,000 square miles. It exaggerates the psychological impact of terror tactics under martial rule and the effectiveness of US indoctrination, training and equipment,” he added. But Sison said the Duterte administration will have to deal with not only the NPA but also a “broad united front” which includes even the “anti-Duterte sections” of the military and police dissatisfied with his governance. “It (Duterte administration) cannot violate human rights without being exposed and opposed by respected institutions, including the human rights organizations, lawyers and other professional associations, churches, the press, UN agencies and the International Red Cross,” Sison said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2017 11:15 UTC