MANILA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine military and police have ordered their respective troops to be on high alert and work to neutralize all threats to national security after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral declaration of ceasefire with the leftist rebels.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya said Sunday the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) has missed "a golden opportunity" to manifest its commitment to the attainment of peace.
He said Duterte's earlier declaration of unilateral truce could have silenced the guns and hastened development, especially in the countryside.
The leftist rebel leadership did not meet the ultimatum issued by Duterte that it declared its own truce until 5:00 p.m. local time on Saturday.
The president made the ultimatum after the NPA rebels attacked a group of militiamen on July 27 in northern province of Davao del Norte, killing one and wounding four others.
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