Released communist rebel leaders, from left, Adelberto Silva, Wilma and Benito Tiamzon, Alan Jasminez and Renante Gamara, pose with their clenched fists, as they wait for their departure for Oslo, Norway for peace talks with the Government Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. On Saturday Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reimposed an indefinite cease-fire after communist guerrillas declared their own truce as both sides set the stage for a resumption of talks aimed at ending one of Asia's longest-running rebellions. AP Photo/Bullit Marquez
President Duterte said no more political prisoners will be released despite the resumption of formal peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front (CPP/NDF) today in Oslo, Norway.
In a press conference early yesterday morning, Duterte said that the 19 political prisoners, including couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were released to enable them to participate as consultants in the peace negotiations was enough gesture of goodwill to the CPP/NDF.
The President explained he would no longer have any cards left if he frees all political prisoners.
“No, I will not release. It is enough for the meantime… If you think that I will release all prisoners, all NPAs in custody, huwag na lang tayong mag-usap kasi released naman sila (then let us not talk because all of them are released),” he said, referring to other New People’s Army rebels in state detention.
“Do you want this republic to surrender to them or the communists surrendering to us?” he added.
The 19 political prisoners released to serve as consultants for the peace talks are Ma. Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, Tirso Alcantara, Ariel Arbitrario, Kennedy Bangibang, Alex Birondo, Winona Birondo, Renante Gamara, Eddie Genelsa, Alan Jazmines, Ernesto Lorenzo, Alfredo Mapano, Ruben Saluta, Jaime Soledad, Adelberto Silva, Loida Magpatoc, Porferio Tuna Jr., Pedro Codaste, and the Tiamzon couple.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/08/22/1616063/no-more-political-prisoners-be-freed-rody
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