By Genalyn D. Kabiling
Malacañang has guaranteed the safe passage of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison when he returns to the country for the peace talks with the government.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government was also willing to pay for the lodging expenses of Sison while he stays in the country.
“The President has said, he will takes steps to ensure that he can come back to the country,” Roque said during a Palace press briefing.
“He will guarantee his safety, he will probably even absorb the cost for Joma Sison to come home and participate in the peace talks,” he added.
Sison has reportedly expressed willingness to return to the country following President Duterte’s offer to resume the stalled peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebel group.
The President, in his visit to Tabogon, Cebu last Sunday, reiterated his peace offer to the communist rebel group. “I have given them the last chance. It’s 60 days, it’s a very small window for us to talk for the last time,” he said.
Months after terminating the negotiations, Duterte recently offered a 60-day window for the peace talks between the government and the communist rebels. Duterte, however, asked the rebels to agree to a ceasefire and halt extortion activities if they want to resume the talks.
