Peace talks with NDF still on track
The government is still committed to pursuing peace negotiations with the communist group despite the recent rebel attack on a police station in Iloilo.
The communist leaders, however, must show “firmer” resolve to rein in their fighters from attacking government forces as earlier promised, according to Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella.
“As of this moment, there is no instruction from the President to discontinue the government’s peace negotiations,” Abella said in a Palace news conference.
Abella said it was “unfortunate” the NPA rebels attacked the police station on the same day the government reciprocated the National Democratic Front’s declaration to refrain from offensives in Mindanao.
He said the rebel attack did not occur in Mindanao but the action was still “clearly opportunistic.”
“We have asked the NDF to call on their servant — on their armed comrades on the ground to, you know, to respond in kind and show genuine sincerity on the confidence- building measure initiated by both the government and their side,” he said.
“So basically, we want a firmer response,” he said.
Around 50 NPA rebels raided a police station in Maasin, Iloilo on broad daylight last Sunday. No one was injured but the suspects reportedly stole firearms, cash, and other items.
The Iloilo provincial director was ordered relieved after the armed attack on the police station.
The rebel attack came just as the government and NDF peace panels announced a cessation of offensives in Mindanao so troops could redirect their energies on operations against the Maute group in Marawi City.
Proof of control Meanwhile, Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano dared the CPP-NPA-NDF leadership to show solid proof that they are still in control of the communist movement in the country or stay off the peace negotiations.
Alejano issued the challenge as he condemned recent attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) in various provinces.
The recent attacks staged by NPA groups in Iloilo, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valleys are indications of “evident disjunction” of claims by the CPP-NPA-NDF of sincerity in pursuing peace with government as against the actual events happening on the ground.
“In spite of assurances of fidelity on the peace talks from both the NDF and the government, the NPA continues to act otherwise. Recent and past events reveal that communist leaders in the peace table do not have actual control on NPA units on the ground,” said Alejano, a former Philippine Marines officer.
“As a party to the peace talks, the communist group also carries a responsibility for their actions. This cannot be a one-sided love affair. Continuation of peace talks cannot happen without them giving their share and without clear proof that leaders have control over ground forces,” he emphasized.