Military asks Duterte for 3-month postponement of peace talks

From Rappler (Jun 16): Military asks Duterte for 3-month postponement of peace talks

The military, which initially asked for a 6-month postponement, wants to use the time to look into the implications of a possible ceasefire on its security operations, says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

SECURITY CONCERNS. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference. Malacañang photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asked President Rodrigo Duterte to postpone the formal resumption of peace talks with communists by 3 months during the joint military and police command conference on Wednesday, June 13.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said this is to give the military time to assess the implications of any ceasefire on its operations.

"They request this postponement so that AFP can look into the ramifications of the standown and the succeeding ceasefire in its security operations," Lorenzana told Rappler on Friday, June 15.

Initially, the military had wanted a longer postponement – 6 months.

"The AFP initially was thinking of 6 months," said the defense chief.

The 3-month period agreed upon would also be used to thresh out "the parameters and criteria to be followed during the standdown," he added.

"The AFP is expected to submit its recommendations within the 3-month period," said Lorenzana.

Road to peace
On Thursday, Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced that Duterte ordered the postponement of peace talks, scheduled to take place on June 28.

Dureza had said this was to give time for the public to be "consulted" on the draft agreements put forward by the National Democratic Front (NDFP) – the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – and the government negotiating panel.

Duterte, however, in his speech on Thursday, said talks in July may still be possible.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque had said that the military and police expressed support for Duterte's peace initiative but that they warned that the New People's Army, the armed wing of the CPP, could use the resumption of peace talks to regroup.

CPP founder Jose Maria Sison had slammed Duterte's "disappointing" and "frustrating" decision to push back the talks. He said the two negotiating panels had discussed a ceasefire declaration on June 21, or a week before the initial June 28 talks in Oslo, Norway.

Sison urged the panels to publicize agreements signed on June 9 and 10.

"It is starkly clear that the GRP (government of the Republic of the Philippines) under Duterte is not interested in serious peace negotiations with the NDFP," said Sison.

Because of Duterte's decision, Sison, his former professor, said the NPA "have no choice but to singlemindedly wage people's war."

Despite the postponement of talks, Malacañang has said Duterte remains committed to pursuing the peace process with communists.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/205004-military-asks-duterte-postpone-peace-talks-three-months

Duterte hopes for Nur Misuari's input in BBL

From Rappler (Jun 16): Duterte hopes for Nur Misuari's input in BBL

"'Pag hindi naman tayo nagka-aregluhan, eh ako nasa gitna, mahirapan ako, sino'ng barilin ko?' asks President Rodrigo Duterte

MEETING WITH MISUARI. In this March 2017 photo, President Duterte hugs MNLF chairman Nur Misuari during their meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City. Malacañang photo

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, June 16, expressed hope that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari can join discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

"I hope Chairman Misuari can be convinced to join the talks so that if there are corrections or maybe additions or provisions that would not sit well with the Tausug and the rest of the southern part of Mindanao, then maybe we can realize altogether the friction of the [Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF], [MNLF], and the rest of Mindanao," he said before before Moro leaders in Davao City to mark Eid'l Fitr.

However, Duterte warned that if anyone would "kind of adopt an intransigent behavior, 'pag patigasan (if there is stubborn behavior), it will result to war." He then requested to not have that kind of conflict during his term.

"'Pag hindi naman tayo nagka-aregluhan, eh ako nasa gitna, mahirapan ako, sino'ng barilin ko? Sundalo ng republika, o sundalo ng [MI] pati [MN] and the rest of the revolutionary groups?" Duterte asked.

(If we wouldn't be able to come up with an agreement, I would be torn. Who would I shoot? A soldier of the republic or a soldier of the MILF, MNLF, and the rest of the revolutionary groups?)

In 2013, Misuari led the siege on Zamboanga City that lasted for 3 weeks. It was carried out by a faction of the MNLF loyal to Misuari, as the government engaged in peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a breakaway faction of the MNLF.

The fate of the Mindanao peace process hinges on the final version of the BBL, which will be decided by a bicameral conference committee in July. (READ: Final version of BBL holds fate of peace process in Mindanao)

Lawmakers are set to reconcile their BBL versions in meetings set to be held from July 9 to 13.

The proposed BBL would abolish the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replace it with a new Bangsamoro region.

The President has sought input from Misuari in achieving peace in Mindanao. For instance, the two met in March 2017 in a closed-door meeting in Davao City, then in September 2017 in the same city "to discuss Bangsamoro concerns."
https://www.rappler.com/nation/205107-duterte-hopes-nur-misuari-input-bbl

Military updates Compostela Valley officials on campaign vs Reds

From Politiko-Mindanao (Jun 16): Military updates Compostela Valley officials on campaign vs Reds



The military has briefed the local government officials of Compostela Valley led by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy of the peace and order situation in the province, including its campaign against the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Kaibigan Troopers led by Lt. Col. Esteveyn E. Ducusin welcomed the local officials at the headquarters of the 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) in Purok 8, Brgy. Nueva Vizcaya, Mawab, Compostela Valley Friday, June 15.

Aside from Uy, who is also the chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council Region XI, also present were Compostela Valley 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga, and Mawab Mayor Ruperto S. Gonzaga III.

During the visit, Ducusin presented nine high-powered firearms, four pieces of improvised explosive device and other paraphernalia recovered by the 71st IB from a recent encounter with the NPA rebels in Maco on June 9 and 12.

He also toured the local officials at the temporary shelter for the former rebels located at the battalion headquarters.

“It symbolizes convergence of efforts between government leaders and the Army to collaborate and work together in addressing the issues and concerns of the people primarily those who were easily exploited by the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists),” he said.

“It makes the people realize that the government is sincere in performing their responsibilities and duties to the community,” he added.

Ducusin said Uy and the other officials vowed to support the rehabilitation and repair of additional transient facilities for the former rebels.

http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/cops-arrest-suspect-in-zamboanga-city-public-market-killing-incident/

Liguasan communities, Army forge alliance vs. BIFF

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Liguasan communities, Army forge alliance vs. BIFF

WETLAND. An aerial shot of the 220,000 - hectare Liguasan Marsh situated in the boundaries of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato provinces in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of DENR-12)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military and communities around the vast Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao have forged an alliance to fight abuses brought by the IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the area.

Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, said local residents who catch mudfish and catfish in the marshland were denied by BIFF of livelihood, prompting villagers to pinpoint the terrorists’ location to the military.

“The communities were obviously angered by BIFF armed men preventing freshwater fishermen to catch fish in marshland that led them to cooperate with us,” Cabunoc told reporters here Friday.

He said the BIFF had made life difficult for fishermen the past several years and got fed up, encouraging them to report the location of a bomb-making factory of the BIFF in the border of Pagalungan and Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun towns.

Military airstrikes and artillery fire destroyed the BIFF’s bomb-making facility during a bomb run earlier this week that also resulted to the killing of 15 BIFF elements including 5 Indonesians and a Singaporean. The Army’s “surgical” operation also resulted to the capture of a couple allegedly involved in bomb-making.

Brigadier Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said eight other BIFF were killed in succeeding clashes in Datu Unsay and Datu Hofer towns, also in Maguindanao and in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Despite evacuation that took place in some areas, settlers along Liguasan Marsh have expressed joy that the BIFF was gone in the vicinity of the wetland.

“There were Indong-Indong (Indonesians) armed men and they don’t want us to fish near their camp,” said fresh water fisherman Jamadel, 40 of Barangay Midpandacan, Gen. SK Pendatun, said in Maguindanaon dialect.

Cabunoc said Army ground troops, cruising on motorized bancas, continue to hunt down BIFF remnants in the 220,000-hectare marshland situated in the boundaries of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

“Our orders are to finish the BIFF for good,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038367

AFP foils BIFF bomb try in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): AFP foils BIFF bomb try in Sultan Kudarat

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--The military’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion said Friday it foiled a bombing attempt by suspected Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

A resident alerted the military about a suspected bag left unattended along the national highway at about 5 a.m., according to Capt. Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).

Encinas said personnel of the 12th Mechanized Company, led by 1Lt. Anjelou Peralta, immediately proceeded to the area and secured the suspected improvised explosive device (IED).

Personnel from the Army’s bomb disposal unit, assisted by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team of the Sultan Kudarat Police, deactivated the bomb minutes later.

Encinas said the IED components included a time fuse, plastic container, duct tape, pieces of metallic items, gray powder, and detonator.

On May 27, government troops also disarmed an IED in the same town.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6ID commander, blamed the BIFF for the bombing attempt, describing it as a desperate effort to avenge the death of their comrades during a recent military air and ground assault in the marshland of Maguindanao.

“I commend the troops for their fast action to avert the series of bombing attempts. Your efforts, enthusiasm, hard work, and determination finally paid off,” Sobejana said.

He also commended the civilians for immediately reporting the incident to the military and the police.

Also on Friday, the military said its bomb disposal personnel disarmed a roadside bomb found in Arakan town, North Cotabato.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato Police spokesperson, said villagers found the homemade bomb placed inside a bag at about 7:30 a.m. at the junction of Barangays Sto. Nino and Tumanding and reported the matter to authorities.

Tayong blamed the communist New People’s Army for the blast, as military and police forces raised security alert in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038430

Police, military verifying NPA raid in Bulacan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Police, military verifying NPA raid in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The police and military are still verifying a raid allegedly made by the New People’s Army (NPA) in a company owned by Chinese tycoon in the City of San Jose del Monte, this province.

In a statement issued by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on its website, it said “ The NPA forces in Mt. Sierra Madre-Southern Tagalog under Rosario Lodronio Rosal Command (RLRC-NPA-Mt. Sierra Madre-Southern Tagalog Sub-Regional Command) congratulates the red fighters and commanders of NPA-Bulacan in their successful raid against the armed goons of Chinese tycoon Lucio Tan in Barangay Ciudad Real, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.”

The NPA team had reportedly carried out the raid between 11 a.m. and 12 noon Wednesday and had carted “seven firearms, including five long firearms and two .9mm pistols with bullets.”

Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, regional police director for Central Luzon, and Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos, commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said they are still verifying the report.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon, commander of the 48th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said that as of 1:00 p.m. on Friday the Bulacan police and the 80th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army have yet to confirm if there was really such an incident.

“Baka propaganda lang yan ( maybe it is just a propaganda), ” Cabugon said.

On the other hand, Supt. Fitz Macariola, police chief of the City of San Jose del Monte, said that no one has reported anything about the incident and added that the company is located in the mountainous part of the city bordering the province of Rizal that is hard to access and is being guarded by a security agency.

“We are still verifying the report, “ Macariola added.
 
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038405

Army helps end 20-year bloody clan war in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17): Army helps end 20-year bloody clan war in Maguindanao



SETTLED. Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc (right in fatigue uniform), 33rd IB commander and Lieutenant Colonel Lauro Oliveros, 1st Mechanized IB commander (left in fatigue uniform), help Muslim warring clans end their decades-old “rido” (family feud) in Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Maguindanao. (Photo by 33rd IB)

GENERAL SALIPADA K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao – The military facilitated here Friday the settlement of a 20-year-old clan war that has claimed the lives of a dozen persons from both sides.

The feud settlement was historic and timely as it came during the Eid’l Fitr or the end of fasting month of Ramadhan on Friday, said Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Cabunoc, along with local stakeholders, helped broker the peaceful settlement between the families of Guiamadel Sinumagan, 50, and Castro Mohammad, 47, both of Midpandacan village, upon their request.

"I would like to help in settling all disputes that had claimed numerous lives. Ridos are drivers of armed conflicts that pave the way for the rise of violent extremism in Central Mindanao," Cabunoc said.

Teary-eyed, Guiamadel said he was very grateful for the efforts of the military in helping them bring about peace in their community. "I am tired fighting against blood relatives and fellow Muslims. We need to give a brighter future for our children," Guiamadel shared.

Mohammad, village chair of Midpandacan, for his part, shared Guiamadel's sentiment, saying they have been desiring for peace for so long.

"As the newly elected village chairman, I will serve you all faithfully. Let us put all these bad memories behind us," he said.

Held in a makeshift waiting shed beside an abandoned school, the “rido” settlement was also witnessed by Lieutenant Colonel Lauro Oliveros, commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Gen. SK Pendatun Vice Mayor Salman Kali, and local Muslim religious leader Datu Bimbo Ali.

Military officials have helped settled two big family feuds over the past several months, in which the warring clans turned over five high powered firearms that include one .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, an M-14 rifle, and three Garand rifles.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038433

PH Navy chief wants to fast-track submarine acquisition program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PH Navy chief wants to fast-track submarine acquisition program

Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, said he fully supports all plans that would enable the country to acquire its first diesel-electric submarines as soon as possible.

"It’s my intention to support this project. Like what I said before the Senate (frigate) hearing (in February), the trend now is submarine warfare because it's very hard to find (and destroy) an enemy that you can’t see," Empedrad said in Filipino during an interview with the military-run DWDD radio on Wednesday.

He noted that in undersea warfare, it is very difficult to fight an opponent one cannot see or detect due to its ability to go underwater.

The PN is expected to acquire its first diesel-electric submarines during Horizon Three of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program that will be implemented in 2023 to 2028.

In line with this program, Empedrad said the PN has already created a Submarine Group that is now sending Navy personnel for training on submarine operations in preparation for the country's eventual acquisition of the several naval craft.

He added that this is necessary as submarine acquisition, including building the vessel, training, and support facilities, often takes seven to 10 years.

The PN chief added that the decision to acquire submarines for the Philippine military is bolstered by a recent conference he attended in London, where more modern navies are shown building up their submarine fleet and anti-submarine capabilities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038370

AFP backs PRRD decision to postpone peace talks anew

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): AFP backs PRRD decision to postpone peace talks anew

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed its strong support for President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to postpone the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the nation in earnestly yearning for a lasting peace in our land that will be owned by and acceptable to the Filipino people at large," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters Friday.

"It is for this reason that we support the desire of our Commander-in-Chief to afford more time for consultation with the public with regard to the matters discussed during the back channel talks and ensure that its substance enjoy the support of a broader mass base," he added.

Arevalo added that the AFP subscribes to the shared aspiration towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace through dialogues and deliberations.

While waiting for this, he said the military shall continue to perform its mandate to protect the people, ensure peace, and uphold the territorial integrity of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038398

Cayetano maintains PH regularly patrolling West PH Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Cayetano maintains PH regularly patrolling West PH Sea

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday disputed claims of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano anew regarding the supposed order of President Rodrigo Duterte to halt patrols in the West Philippine Sea, as he maintained that the Philippine Army conducts regular patrols in the area.

"Nagpapatrol and Navy, nagpapatrol ang Coast Guard, nagpapatrol din ang Air Force, kumpleto 'yon. Kaya nga ang sabi ko kay Cong. Alejano and Senator Trillanes, talk is cheap (The Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force are patrolling. They’re complete there. That’s why I’m telling Cong. Alejano and Senator Trillanes, talk is cheap)," he said in an interview over CNN Philippines.

On Thursday, Cayetano accused the two lawmakers of using the issue for political gains.

He said it's a given fact that Navy ships and coast guards have a regular presence in the area since their role is not only to guard the Philippine territory but also to assist Filipino fishermen in emergency cases, and fend off smuggling and threats of terrorism.

"I myself, I saw the pictures and the reports sa mga latest patrols. So, what I'm 100 percent sure is kasinungalingan ang sinasabi sa inyo ni Congressman Alejano (So, I’m 100 percent sure that Congressman Alejano’s words are all lies)," he said.

Cayetano scored the two as "very irresponsible" officials by claiming that there are no Philippine patrols in the disputed waters.

Cayetano said by doing so, the two have not only endangered the country's security but also its standing in the territorial dispute with China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038386

JMSDF to give PH Navy more TC-90 planes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): JMSDF to give PH Navy more TC-90 planes

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is inclined to give the Philippine Navy (PN) more Beechcraft King Air TC-90 patrol aircraft, Navy flag officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad has said.

"During my last visit to Japan, the head of the JMSDF said he is inclined to give the PN more of the aircraft (TC-90) they earlier gave us," Empedrad said in Filipino in an interview with the military-run DWDD radio on Wednesday.

The JMSDF has earlier given the Navy five TC-90 patrol aircraft, three of which have been activated while the other two are being equipped and painted for Philippine service.
The TC-90 was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized on Feb. 29, 2016.

The TC-90 has a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 226 knots, and is capable of carrying eight passengers, along with the pilots.

These additional TC-90s are expected to boost the Navy's capability in intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maritime air surveillance, Empedrad said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038427

If BBL doesn’t work out, give us time: Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): If BBL doesn’t work out, give us time: Duterte

A day after Eid’l Fitr, or the end of Ramadan, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Saturday night reiterated his promise to try to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) “without any cuts” but at the same time, sought for more time in case it does not work out.

“We will try to pass the BBL with no cuts. I’m sure the Speaker will agree with me,” Duterte said in his speech at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City referring to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Alvarez was one of the lawmakers who asked Duterte to certify the legislation as urgent. The President approved this request on May 29.

Speaking before Muslim leaders from various sectors, Duterte also sought for more time if in case the BBL does not “work out.”

“If nothing really works out dito sa (here in the) BBL, then give us time. Because I do not want to fight. I do not wage a war against my own countrymen,” Duterte said.

Duterte also expressed hope that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari would be convinced to join the peace talks.

“We will try to pass the BBL. I hope Chairman Misuari can be convinced to join the talks so that if there are corrections or maybe additions or provisions that would not sit well with Tausug and the rest of the southern part of Mindanao, then maybe we can realize altogether the friction,” Duterte said.

Duterte, however, said that if he remained stubborn and insisted on intransigence, it could result to war, which he said he did not want to experience during his term.

“Pero kung sabihin mo na, if you kind of adopt an intransigence behavior, magpatigasan (But if you want to adopt an intransigence behavior, remain stubborn) it will result in a war. Kindly, if you want, do not do it on my term,” he added.

Moreover, Duterte also reiterated his commitment to shift to a federalism form of government along with BBL to alleviate poverty and the Muslim separatist insurgency.

“The time for federalism has come to our country. We have to move away from the style of unitary form of government which has been in existence or set up originally by the Spaniards,” Duterte said.

“Look, we’re all human beings. Let us not abandon each other. Let us not forget that we belong to the Malay race,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038461

Joma Sison hits cancellation of peace talks

From the Philippine Star (Jun 16): Joma Sison hits cancellation of peace talks

Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison on Thursday criticized President Duterte for unilaterally cancelling the resumption of peace talks with the rebels.

Sison said it was “disappointing and frustrating” that Duterte decided to cancel the peace talks at the last minute as preparations are underway for the formal peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Oslo, Norway on June 28.

Sison said Duterte and his administration have simply shown no interest in serious peace negotiations.

As a result, Sison warned that communist rebels would “singlemindedly” wage the people’s war.

Sison said the written agreements pertaining to the scheduled events have been signed by no less than the respective chairpersons of the government and the NDF negotiating panels.

The agreements signing was witnessed by the Royal Norwegian special envoy Idun Tevdt on June 9.

“I urge the two negotiating panels to release to the public and to the press the written and signed agreements of June 9 and 10 signed by the chairmen of the (government) and NDF negotiating panels and by the members of their respective special teams,” Sison said.

For their part, the military brushed aside the threat aired by Sison that the rebels would continue the people’s war in the wake of the suspension of the peace talks.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said the military wants lasting peace but the troops should perform their mandate to restore peace.

“While we subscribe to the shared aspiration towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace through dialogues and deliberations, the AFP shall continue to perform its mandate to protect the people, ensure the peace and the territorial integrity of the country,” Arevalo said.

Sources said the President had a change of heart after senior military officials reportedly requested him to delay the resumption of peace talks for three months after consultations with all stakeholders.

The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said the cancellation of the peace talks is not a good sign for the peace process as a whole.

“The reason offered by Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, of the need to hold public consultations, appears flimsy and disregards years of public fora and consultations held on the peace talks,” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said. Reyes said several lawmaker and peace advocates have already expressed support for the talks.

“There have been signed agreements this June for the holding of formal talks at the end of the month which could lead to an interim peace agreement which includes important socio-economic reforms. We fear that the postponement will undermine the goodwill that has been created in the series of backchannel talks and may waste an opportunity to address the serious economic crisis facing the nation,” he said.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/16/1825099/joma-sison-hits-cancellation-peace-talks