Eastmincom backs possible resumption of GRP-NDFP talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Eastmincom backs possible resumption of GRP-NDFP talks

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has assured support to the possible resumption of the stalled peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

This came amid the recent attacks in Davao City and Davao del Norte where the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned the heavy equipment used in the construction of access roads in the remote areas.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was open to talk again the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-NDFP but with certain conditions.

Eastmincom spokesperson Maj. Ezra Balagtey said it is the discretion of the President since he is the commander-in-chief.

"But of course, our commanders will be giving a situationer for the President to decide if he will pursue the peace talks or not," he said.

Balagtey said whatever the decision of President Duterte after he will receive the situationer, the Eastmincom will abide by it.

"There are many factors that are being considered and we will be supporting the President on the peace initiatives that he is pursuing," he said.

Earlier, Duterte said in his speech in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro the communist rebels should stop their hostilities if they want to resume peace talks with government.

“So it, first-time ko ito nagsalita (So this is my first time to speak) since (Joma) Sison is always mentioning about the peace process. I am ready. First thing is we should stop killing each other. Then if we can have peace; and if you do not have the money, government will subsidize it," Duterte said during the inauguration of the Lisap Bridge in Barangay Hagan here.

The President said both the government and the New People’s Army (NPA) should agree on some fundamentals.

“In the meantime na kung gusto niyo talagang totohanan is you stop immediately, you and I ceasefire tayo. Ni walang isang putok, maski labintador and I would be happy (In the meantime if you want it - is you stop immediately, you and I will have ceasefire. Not one shot, even a firecracker and I would be happy),” he said.

He also urged the rebels to stop collecting revolutionary tax and harassing businessmen. The President said his number one condition is ceasefire and then no taxation. Duterte was even willing to shoulder expenses during the peace process.

But the President emphasized on no coalition government. “For the simple reason that I do not own the sovereign power of the state,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031148