President Duterte to decide on ceasefire; firm on non-release of political prisoners

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2): President Duterte to decide on ceasefire; firm on non-release of political prisoners

President Rodrigo Duterte is setting aside his decision for now on the lifting of the government’s unilateral ceasefire, saying, “I will decide in the fullness of God’s time.”

“So, nag-withdraw kayo (New People's Army) sa ceasefire. So am I supposed to do the same? Gaya-gaya, puto maya (So you withdrew from the ceasefire. So am I suppose to do the same? Imitate you? Just go ahead,” he said.

This was the reaction of the President on the decision of the New People’s Army (NPA) withdrawing its unilateral ceasefire effective on February 10.

The NPA cited the non-release of the political prisoners and the continued occupation of the military in their so-called territory.

While he has not decided on the ceasefire, the President also asked some sectors not to press him on amnesty and release of political prisoners because there are other branches to consider like Congress.  He said he has to consider the military’s side.

Speaking before some more or less 2,000 delegates to the 38th Philippine Association of Water Districts National Convention on Thursday at SMX Convention Center here, President Duterte said he cannot as yet release all political prisoners.

“Now they want 400 released. My God, that is already releasing all. Para na akong nag-amnesty, which is usually given after a successful negotiation. Kaya ang sabi ko huwag nyo akong ipitin (that’s why I said do not press me) because the military might not like it and then the military would oust me, would kill me, you have nobody talking to you," he said.

“Pag ang military magalit, hindi naman na hindi sila sang-ayon sa akin (If the military gets angry, it’s not that they are not amenable to me), but they would always support you if they think you are right,” he said.

The President said all that he was asking is a document which says that “we are now in a ceasefire mode, signed by the government of Oslo who’s offering their good offices for us to negotiate.”

“Eh 400 is 400. It is already as if the talks are over and there is a successful formula,” the President pointed out.

He said it was too much to ask reminding the other side that “this is a country that is not authoritarian."

“I head the Executive Department but I consult people and military especially in the matters. Of course, nobody stood up right on my face to say it is not good,” he said.

The President was even thankful to the Norwegian government for offering their good offices for the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) is the third party facilitator of the peace negotiations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=960597