Palace open to peace talks
But communist rebels must end hostilities, stop extortion and killings, lay down arms
The government has called on the communist rebels to put an end to their hostilities, stop extortion and violent streaks, and lay down their arms before peace negotiations could resume. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque laid down these conditions for an “enabling environment” conducive for the revival of the peace talks with the communist rebel group.
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 toward unity and progress,” he added. AFP ready to follow With Malacañang setting conditions for the revival of the peace negotiations, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will always follow the policy direction of the political leadership.
“We leave it to our political leaders to decide on political questions and we will always follow legally mandated decisions.
“We take cognizance of the need to have a just and lasting peace in our country and the AFP supports every effort to forge peace in our country,” the AFP said in a statement.
The AFP, however, reiterated, that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) must show sincerity in dealing with the peace process by stopping all atrocities including attacks, ambush of troops, coercion and killing of civilians, recruitment, use of IEDs, extortion, arson, and all anti-peace activities that undermine communities.
“Whatever the outcome, we will always abide by our constitutional mandate to protect the people and the state,” the AFP said.
The AFP also said that the declaration of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) is also a political decision vested upon the political leadership. It said it has yet to receive orders to suspend offensive military operations against the NPA who will mark its 49th founding anniversary March 29, 2018.
It added that it’s quite odd for them to declare a suspension of attacks during the Holy Week.
There were earlier news report that quoted “Ka Otto,” who identified himself as the spokesperson of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16, declaring that the rebel group will temporarily stop offensive operations in observance of the Holy Week, from March 28 (Holy Tuesday) to April 1, 2018 (Easter Sunday).
The order was contained in a letter purportedly signed by one "Ka Ariel Montero" of the Regional Operational Command of the Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Northeastern Mindanao Region. They said that they issued the order in order for Roman Catholics to have a peaceful and successful observance of Lent.
“We believe that such unusual declaration by the NPA is another ploy to deceive the security forces, the government and especially the people so that the government will be forced to declare SOMO in order for them to reconstitute forces, recruit new members, extort money, and rest from the unceasing focused military operation of the AFP,” the AFP said.
“This is a desperate attempt of the NPA to gain the moral highground by seizing the opportunity to paint religiosity in their organization while the basic principle of Communism by which their fake revolution is anchored, does not believe in God and reject religion,” it added.
The NPA anniversary, usually marked by violent attacks against government forces and atrocities against the people, incidentally falls within the Holy Week this year.
Bracing for attacks
Despite the rebels’ ceasefire declaration, the AFP is intensifying efforts to thwart possible attacks and atrocities as the occasion is usually marked by attacks against our people and vulnerable communities.
“In the past, they have staged hostilities such as raids, ambuscades, and sabotage against government troops, on public establishments and vital installations that severely affected innocent civilians. These attacks against our people are terroristic in nature and clear reflection of their true color as a criminal and terrorist organization,” the AFP said.
“In the NCR (National Capital Region), they have staged rallies and protest actions that caused massive traffic that affected motorists and commuters. They have repeatedly done such actions that disturbed the peace of the place and pestered law abiding citizens,” it added. (With a report from Francis T. Wakefield)