The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday expressed its preference for the implementation of localized peace talks with Communist insurgents, rather than top level negotiations with the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Philippine Army (MANILA BULLETIN)
Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Army commanding general, said that localized peace talks should be considered instead of formal talks between the Philippine government (GRP) and CPP-NPA-NDF after the attack on soldiers and policemen allegedly by rebels.
“We are one with the government and the people’s desire to a just and lasting peace in the entire country. In light of this development, other means of peaceful resolution such as localized peace talks need to be considered,” Gapay said in his Christmas Day message.
“We just hope that the CPP-NPA will not miss this opportunity by staging these senseless attacks, especially during a time when the nation celebrates the season of love, peace and unity,” he added.
Suspected NPA rebels launched separate violent attacks against withdrawing soldiers and cops in Labo, Camarines Norte; Tubungan, Iloilo and Tagkawayan, Quezon last Monday — the first day of the holiday truce.
President Duterte approved late Sunday, December 22, the holiday truce recommended by the GRP negotiating panel and NDF from 12 a.m. of December 23, 2019 to 11:59 p.m. of January 7, 2020.
The separate attacks resulted in the death of a soldier and wounding of eight others, including two cops.
Gapay also honored the troops ambushed by suspected NPA rebels for their sense of duty and sacrifice, and condemned the NPA for their attacks.
Prior to Duterte’s order to pursue the revival of the peace talks, the national government has been pursuing localized peace talks in the communities affected by the communist rebellion.
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