AFP ‘won't sabotage' peace talks
Dureza denies NPA claim that military is planning to derail truce; military twists facts: NPA
PRESIDENTIAL adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza denied rumors that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has plans of sabotaging the peace process between the government and the communist rebels.
"I have not found any indication at all that the AFP is sabotaging," Dureza said in an interview with state-run dzRB on Saturday.
Dureza made the reaction when sought for comment on the statement of New People's Army (NPA) that the military is "virulently sabotaging the peace process."
In response to reports that the NPA ambushed the government troops in Kapalong, Davao del Norte on July 27, NPA spokesman Aris Francisco turned the table on the AFP, saying the armed Alamara paramilitary troops are "on active operation."
Violation
Francisco said the recent attack was a clear violation of the unilateral ceasefire announced by President Rodrigo Duterte with the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA, and National Democratic Front during his State of the Nation Address on July 25.
"Determined to con- tinue its offensive military operations in Kapalonh, the same troops ignored the ceasefire declaration of their commander in chief (Duterte)," Francisco said.
"In twisting the facts presented to their commander-in-chief, the AFP is leaving out the glaring truth that its troops were clearly on combat operation and not engaged in civilian activities, in direct violation to President Duterte's ceasefire order," he said.
Dureza, however, denied the military do not follow the President's order and have, in fact, "fully supported" the declared truce.