The government is committed to advancing the peace process with the communist rebels and upholding its ceasefire despite the group’s decision to terminate its unilateral truce.
“The President will continue to exercise strong political will to move forward with the peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF, despite the revocation of the unilateral ceasefire by the NPA,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.
“Furthermore, the Department of National Defense will continue to observe the government’s unilateral ceasefire, at the same time enforce the campaign to protect civilians from harm and terrorism,” Abella added.
The communist rebel group has announced it was ending a unilateral ceasefire on February 10 declared five months ago.
The rebels, however, declared it would support the peace talks with the Duterte government.
During a visit to Maguindanao Last Friday, the President said he has given “so much” for the peace process with the rebels while apparently resenting the group’s penchant to make too many demands.
Duterte said the rebels have demanded the release of 400 prisoners but refused to heed his call for a ceasefire agreement. “Ayaw ninyong ibigay eh di ayaw ko rin. Pag sabihin niyong uwi kayo, magtabla eh di tabla,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)