Malacañang said yesterday it will return to the peace negotiation table with the communist rebels if they comply with four compelling reasons for the talks to resume.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the four compelling reasons so peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) can resume include a cessation by the CPP/NPA/NDF of the following: the so-called ‘revolutionary tax,’ ambushes on military personnel, the burning of property, and provocative and hostile actions.
According to Abella, the said actions from the NDF may “provide compelling reason and could put at ease, to some extent, the apprehension of the military and the administration.”
“After all, when guns are silent, we can better listen to each other. We need to take in good faith the President’s vision for a peaceful, just and inclusively prosperous Philippines. He has already taken the first steps forward. We wait for NDF to respond,” he said in a text message.
In a statement on Sunday, the CPP said it will have the NPA expedite the release of six ‘prisoners of wars.’
(Argyll Geducos)