Philippine Rebels Vow to Renew War Against Aquino

Philippine Communist rebels declared renewed struggle Saturday against the government of President Corazon Aquino.

They accused her of “capitulating to militarists” and of going along with the “bellicose attitude” of the United States.

The rebels called an end to fighting during a 60-day cease-fire that expired last Sunday, though the Philippine military accused them of violations.

Saturday’s declaration of war came in separate statements from the general staff of the insurgent New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front, a Communist-led umbrella organization. Their statements were sent by courier to news offices.

The National Democratic Front repeated its rejection of appeals by Aquino for regional peace talks. It said the deaths of civilians during a battle last week between government and rebel forces resulted from the “policy of total war launched by the Aquino government . . . with the full backing of the U.S.”

The 23,500-strong New People’s Army issued this far-reaching threat: “We will hit all enemy units, be they regular, paramilitary or private armies, conducting operations, harassing and intimidating the civilian population in our areas.”

The rebels said they would attack government forces “even before they can inflict actual damage” on the insurgents.

Aquino said Wednesday that her forces will resume operations against the guerrillas. But she also said that the door remains open for peace talks.

The Philippine News Agency on Saturday quoted Brig. Gen. Edgardo Abenina, military commander for the central Visayas region, as saying: “The rebels could not say they have not been given a chance to return to the fold of the law. Since they have rejected the government’s offer of peace, they have to fight it out.”