President Duterte eyes inclusive gov't as peace talks loom

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): President Duterte eyes inclusive gov't as peace talks loom

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday said he will not agree on a coalition government with the communist rebels and would prefer an inclusive set up.

This developed as the government starts its peace negotiations with the communist groups.

In a situation briefing in Camp Nakar in Lucena City, the President said he wanted to give the communist insurgents a chance to mend relations with the Philippine government.

"Tingnan natin. Let’s give them a chance. I would like to assure everybody here in this room that I will never, never agree to a coalition government," he told top military officials during the briefing.

"I am very emphatic that I can have an inclusive government. I have taken them in. I can shake hands and talk about peace, an inclusive government," PRRD said.

The communist insurgency has been ongoing in the country for several decades and the President said he decided to give peace a chance.

It is not solely his decision to restart the talks, the President said, adding that peace negotiators Jesus Dureza and Silvestre Bello III also agreed to begin the peace process.

President Duterte also reiterated his commitment to the Mindanao peace process, underscoring his stance to give the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) a chance.

He assured the military officials in Camp Nakar that he is loyal to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), noting he rose from the ranks and has been in government for many years.

He asked the military to protect the people, ensure their welfare and work according to the mandate of the Filipino public.

As the AFP leadership asked for additional 20,000 soldiers, he promised to provide 10,000 new infantrymen by the end of the year with a full budget.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908750