Duterte threatens 'violent' rallyists: Ipabaril ko kayo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night stepped up his attacks on the Left, this time threatening militant groups to have their members shot if their demonstrations turn violent.

In a speech before Chinese businessmen in Malacañang, Duterte went on another tirade against Communist groups, with whom peace talks have been canceled over attacks by the New People's Army.

"Itong mga Komunista, akala mo sila na ang may-ari ng Pilipinas, apurado at gusto diyan-diyan kaagad, wala naman kino-contribute miski piso doon sa gobyerno," he said.

"Sabi ko, kayong mga Komunista, ayoko nang makipag-usap sa inyo. At 'wag ninyong gawin 'yang bisyo ninyong mag-demonstrate tapos sirain 'yung mga tindahan diyan," he added.

He then threatened to use force against rallyists.

"Do not practice anarchy because I will not hesitate, maniwala kayo. 'Pag nagsira kayo, nagnakaw kayo, nag-demonstrate kayo violently, nagsunog kayo ng hindi ninyo kotse, ipabaril ko kayo, period. Maniwala ka. Maski ako na ang magkaroon ng record na maramimg pinatay na Pilipino," he said.

Later in his speech, Duterte decried how urban poor groups took over idle housing projects of the government, in apparent reference to the takeover of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) of units in Pandi, Bulacan last April.

"You do that again and my orders are hulihin ka. 'Pag hulihin ka, huwag ka talagang lumaban. Magpatali ka ng kamay diyan sa handcuff at sumama ka sa presinto," he said.

"Pagka lumaban kayo, iyong may itak, at saka iyong mga gerilya, magdala ng mga granada, sabihin ko talaga: Shoot them dead. Pareho lang kayo ng mga kriminal," he added.

Duterte already nixed peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, saying the New People's Army tried to ambush him when they attacked a convoy of the Presidential Security Group in Arakan, Cotabato. He said the incident showed that the Left also wants him dead.

"You bring the worst out in me. Mabuti ho akong tao, huwag mo lang akong bastusin, huwag mo lang akong takutin... Don't shit with me and I can be a good friend," Duterte said.

Deteriorating relationship

Duterte's remarks highlight how his relationship with the Left has deteriorated in his year in office.

Last year, after his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte had a meeting with leaders of militant groups.

This year, after his second SONA where he went on a tirade against the NDFP, Duterte went on stage to speak at a protest rally of militant groups, where the vibe was less welcoming.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño took to social media to criticize Duterte over his appearance at the event.

"Duterte with his posse rushed straight up the stage and delivered his piece. He asked for respect. Wow. This is the guy who, minutes earlier in his speech inside Congress, badmouthed us and told us to go home kasi walang silbi ang aming pagra-rally," he said.

"He then claimed the armed Left tried to ambush him. Wow, fake news. Batuhan na lang daw namin siya ng granada sa stage. Wow, bad joke. Na-praning tuloy ang mga PSG." —JST, GMA News