President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday instructed the Peace Panel to resume the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army.
President Duterte orders the peace panel to revive peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF Photo: Malacanang
Recently, Duterte expressed his willingness to revive the peacetalks between the rebel group which now being considered as a “terrorist” by the government.
In response, CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison said that they are ready to resume peace negotiations as soon as possible.
“We in the National Democratic Front of the Philippines welcome the recent statement of President Rodrigo Duterte in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro expressing openness and readiness to resume the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations,” Sison said in a statement.
According to Duterte, the revival of the peace talks would be the “last chance” of the terrorist group to prove their sincerity to achieve peace.
However, he said that the rebels should forge a ceasefire agreement with the government when the peace negotiations started again.
“President Duterte directed during the cabinet meeting today to work on the resumption of peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF with clear instructions on the importance of forging a ceasefire agreement to stop mutual attacks and fighting while talks are underway,” Presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza said in a statement.
“The President said: ‘Let’s give this another last chance.’ He also committed to provide support, if necessary, in replacement of the ‘revolutionary tax’ that he asked be stopped,” he added.
Yesterday, President Duterte gave a hint that he’s willing to consider resuming the peace talks between the communist group and urge them to stop their offensive.
“You stop immediately. You and I ceasefire tayo. Wala ni isang putok, ni labintador.” Duterte said yesterday in his speech in Sultan Kudarat.
“Hintuan ninyo ang revolutionary government. Huwag na kayo magsunog in the name of taxation kasi kakaawa ang negosyante,” he added.
