MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday urged members of the New People's Army (NPA) to return to the fold of the law as it heightened its alert status on the 49th anniversary of the group today.

"I am calling on all CPP-NPA members to lay down your arms and re-join society. Panahon na para kayo ay magbalik-loob sa lipunan. Talikuran ang karahasan at ang mapanlinlang na ideyolohiya na inyong ipinaglalaban. Alalahanin ninyo ang higit na kapakanan ng inyong mga pamilya, at ng sambayanan," said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

In a statement, Lorenzana said that for the past 49 years of ‘futile, delusional and vicious existence’, the rebel group failed to overthrow government.

• PNP braces for possible attacks ahead of NPA anniversary

Lorenzana urged the public to be vigilant as the group is known to mount a string of celebratory attacks to mark their anniversary.

"Ang dapat nating itanong sa mga NPA ay ano nga ba ang ipinagdiriwang ninyo tuwing anibersaryo nyo? Wala naman kayong maipakitang magandang nagawa, bagkus wala kayong ginawa kundi pumatay, mangotong sa mga negosyante, at manunog ng mga ariarian ng mga ayaw magbayad sa inyo," he said.

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Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA as terror group.