NPA to blame for suspension of peace talks - AFP

MANILA

-- The New People's Army (NPA) is the one to blame for the government's decision to cancel peace negotiat i ons.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo made the statement when asked why the peace talks with the rebels died down.

"It is because of the atrocities committed by the NPA, and (as) far as the AFP is concerned, we have been always been supportive, we have always been been accommodating with regard to call and efforts (for peace)," he added in Filipino.

The Duterte administration has cancelled the ongoing peace negotiations with the rebel group following a series of unprovoked attacks against civilians and military personnel early this year.

This includes an attack against a Presidential Security Group convoy in Arakan, North Cotabato last July.

"The ball was in their court, (the government showed goodwill) in freeing political prisoners and there were even some members of the progressive groups who were appointed to top government posts but despite that, they did not comply with the Commander-in-Chief's request that they stop their extortion activities, killing of civilians, ambush of soldiers not engaged in combat operations against them," Arevalo stressed. (PNA)