Cancelling peace talks ‘president’s discretion’
President’s reaction came after the CPP-NPA staged several attacks against government forces on different occasions
Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said President Rodrigo Duterte has all the rights and reasons for his decision in terminating the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of thePhilippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Pimentel’s reaction came amid the accusations hurled against Duterte by CPP leader and founder Jose Maria Sison when the latter described Duterte as a dictator, rushing to have limitless opportunities for his alleged bureaucratic corruption.
Pimentel said the President’s reaction came after the CPP-NPA staged several attacks against government forces on different occasions which he is valid and understandable for his decision of abrupt termination of the peace talks.
“The attacks of the Red Group has been the primary reason for President Duterte to consider terminating the peace talks. I don’t think it is fair to say that the issue is about power and dictatorship,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel said it is but normal for Duterte to decline and disagree with the capricious request of the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) to ask the present leadership in forming a coalition government.
Based on reports, Duterte got irked after the CCP reportedly insisted on forming a coalition government, but Pimentel said there is still a chance for both camps to achieve peace if the CPP will just open its door for sincere negotiations by not staging an attack against government forces like what happened recently.
“We cannot blame the President for making such pronouncement and for canceling the talks. But we are not closing the doors for possible negotiations and the Senate is willing to help but there should be seriousness and sincerity,” Pimentel said.