The Department of Justice (DOJ) will immediately designate a group for the drafting of a petition for the classification of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as terror organizations.

• Duterte declares CPP-NPA as terror group

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is set to issue a written order for the purpose, after President Duterte signed a proclamation Tuesday declaring the left-wing organizations as terrorists, citing as basis Republic Act (RA) No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

"I will issue a DO (department order) directing Officer-in-charge Prosecutor General to form a team to draft and file a petition before the Regional Trial Court praying to grant the Petition To Declare CPP-NPA as terrorist organizations,” Aguirre told ABS-CBN News in a text message, referring to OIC PG Jorge Catalan, Jr.

Malacañang said the decision was “in view of the violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace.”

Duterte terminated peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines/CPP-NPA in November due to a series of rebel attacks on state forces.

Duterte also called for the rearrest of NDFP consultants in the peace who were conditionally released by the courts talks to surrender “or face punitive actions.