Peace talks with Reds a political decision – AFP

The military has reiterated its stand to leave to the country’s political leaders the decision on whether or not to reopen the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said the military would always abide by their

legally mandated decisions.

“The AFP will always follow the policy direction of the political leadership. We leave it to our political leaders to decide on political questions and we will always follow legally mandated decisions. We take cognizance of the need to have a just and lasting peace in our country and the AFP supports every effort to forge peace,” he added.

Garcia issued the statement in response to Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate’s statement yesterday that President Duterte has expressed interest in resuming the talks following discussions with several Royal Norwegian government officials.

“After meeting with the members of the House, the Royal Norwegian government officials also went to Davao and talked with President Duterte who expressed openness to it although he qualified that he has yet to consult his security officers,” Zarate said over dzBB.

But Garcia stressed the AFP’s earlier statement asking the CPP-NPA and its political arm, the National Democratic Front, to first show sincerity in dealing with the peace process.

“They must stop all atrocities including attacks, ambush of troops, coercion and killing of civilians, recruitment, use of IEDs, extortion, arson and all anti-peace activities that undermine communities. Whatever the outcome, we will always abide by our constitutional mandate to protect the people and the state,” Garcia said.