Duterte wants clear parameters on ceasefire, peace talks with Reds

From GMA News (Mar 14): Duterte wants clear parameters on ceasefire, peace talks with Reds

Malacañang on Tuesday said that President Rodrigo Duterte wanted clear parameters on the ceasefire and peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CCP-NPA-NDF).

“On the peace process, the President acknowledged the Joint Statement of the GPH and NDF peace panels on the intent to resume formal peace talks. To ensure that genuine peace talks are realized, the President asked both Panels to agree on clear parameters for ceasefire and the talks,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Tuesday.

He said that the spokesperson having clearer peace talks and ceasefire parameters would address the New People’s Army (NPA) attacks.

“I think that’s actually the reason why the President insisted that clear parameters be set so that they themselves are able to work within these parameters which is clear, because formerly there were no clear parameters,” he said.

Abella, however, could not determine how soon the President wants the parameters to be set.

“As far as I remember, there was no specific time, except that it was, he was quite insistent that clear parameters need to be established,” he said.

Abella reiterated that the communist leaders must have a grip on their people on the ground.

“Well, like I said, let's leave it to their responsibility to be able to deal with their men on the ground,” he said.

Despite the NPA attacks, Malacañang still pushes for the peace talks.

“Let us put it this way. Between the parties that are willing to resume talks, there seems to be… they are establishing mutual trust, okay. And those are the activities on the ground. Certainly very… they add stress and burden to the talks. However, as far as we can see, there is the intent to pursue the final and lasting peace which can be brought about by a written agreement," he said.

 http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/603172/news/nation/duterte-wants-clear-parameters-on-ceasefire-peace-talks-with-reds