Gov’t ‘dismayed’ at recent NPA attacks, but peace talks will continue

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza said the government is “dismayed” at the recent attacks launched by the New People’s Army (NPA), but said peace negotiations with the communist groups will continue. “Although a bilateral cease-fire is not yet in place, the public’s common reaction to these incidents questions the sincerity of those whom we talk and deal with across the table. The public also questions their capacity to manage and control their forces on the ground,” Mr. Dureza said in a statement issued yesterday after the NPA destroyed three properties of Lapanday Foods Corp. last Saturday. The company has estimated total damage at P2 billion and more than 100 employees are now out of work. A fish vendor was also seriously injured in the attack. Mr. Dureza said the police and military will handle “these contingencies” while “we who are tasked to seek a peaceful and principled settlement must pursue, with more vigor, these peace engagements with the communist rebels.” The 5th round of talks is scheduled on May 27 to June 1 in the Netherlands. —