Local communist rebels said yesterday they will end their unilateral ceasefire next week because the government has not freed all political prisoners and has encroached on rebel-held areas though they said they continue to support peace negotiations.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its military arm, the New People’s Army, said that the August 28 ceasefire will expire February 10. The rebels and the government had separately declared a ceasefire as they resumed their peace talks.
Founded in 1968, the rural-based guerrillas have unsuccessfully tried to negotiate an end to their rebellion and sought inclusion in government with six Philippine Presidents, including President Duterte.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said troops will continue to enforce the government’s ceasefire unless Duterte decides otherwise.
Troops will not carry out operations against the rebels but will maintain peace and order. The military does not recognize any area under control of the NPA and will not allow guerrillas to move around with their weapons, he said.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines still believes in and would want to give peace a chance,” military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza expressed dismay at the rebel decision, saying it comes after progress was made in peace talks last month in Rome, with both sides agreeing to discuss a bilateral ceasefire later this month.
Dureza said he will recommend to Duterte that the government maintain its unilateral ceasefire.
(AP and Francis T. wakefield)