The government has called on the communist rebels to put an end to their hostilities and extortion and lay down their arms before the peace negotiations could resume.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has laid down these conditions for an “enabling environment” conducive for the revival of the peace talks with the communist rebel group.
Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque (YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Roque made the remarks after thanking a group of congressmen for a resolution calling for the resumption of the peace talks with the rebels.
“We reiterate that there must be an enabling environment that must be present for the desired resumption of peace talks such as genuine sincerity on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Roque said in a statement.
“They must cease their hostilities against innocent civilians and government forces; end their extortion activities, violent streaks, and wanton killings; lay down their arms and return to the fold of law and restart to live normal lives,” he said.
The President has been committed to peace but has resented the communists rebels for being “spoilers of peace,” according to Roque.
“Right from the very beginning of his term, the President’s position has always been clear and consistent: He remains committed to peace,” he said.
“However, we find it unfortunate that the communists have become spoilers of peace because of their penchant for double talk and treachery. Their motives are not for attaining sustainable peace but rather to push for their greater control and influence,” he added.
More than 60 lawmakers recently signed House Resolution No. 1803 urging the President to revive the peace negotiations with the communist rebel group to resolve the decades-old conflict. They also called for the completion of the agreements on social, economic and political reforms to lay the groundwork for a just and lasting peace.
Roque said they recognize the independence of House of Representatives in filing the resolution to continue with the peace negotiations and complete the related agreements. “We thank those who signed the resolution for their support to the peace agenda of the administration,” he added.
He assured that the government would sustain efforts to attain peace despite the suspension of the talks.
“Even without the peace talks, the government’s efforts at forging peace with communist rebels have been gaining ground, as evidenced by the surrender of NPA fighters,” he said.
“Rest assured that the government will exhaust any and all means to achieve lasting peace towards unity and progress” he added.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/27/palace-sets-conditions-for-resumption-of-peace-talks-with-communists/
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