Philippine President Joseph Estrada gave the rebel New People's Army (NPA) an ultimatum to cease and desist from their terrorist attacks on November 4.

In an radio program, the president warned that the government has unleashed the full might of the police and military forces against them.

"I'm calling on them to stop their terrorist attacks. If they don't do so, the government won't stop either until they are punished," he said.

The president also called on the public to help the government flush out these guerrillas, especially those who are engaged in abuses, like extortion in the guise of "revolutionary tax."

Earlier, President Estrada ordered the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to wage an all-out war against the NPA for their recent atrocities.

The government believed that the NPA guerrillas were linked to the recent abduction of two foreigners and the torching of a Korean firm's construction equipment.

Earlier this week, the NPA raided two police stations, looting some firearms and abducting four policemen, including a town police chief.

On his part, Secretary Orlando Mercado of the Department of National Defense said the government is doing everything to secure the release of the policemen kidnapped by the NPA.

In a radio interview, Mercado said the government is negotiating for the safe release of Chief Inspector Abelardo Martin and three others abducted by the NPA.

Mercado stressed, however, that this does not mean the government will stop its operations to flush out the NPA rebels from their lairs.

"We'll try everything. We will negotiate but we will also implement the law," he said.

Mercado also emphasized that peace talks with the NPA rebels at the local level would go on, noting that there are local leaders still willing to discuss peace with the government.