MANILA – On the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, the government will resume its peace negotiations with the rebels.
“Let’s give this another last chance,” Duterte said during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said Duterte directed him to resume the peace talks with the National Democratic Front “with clear instructions on the importance of forging a ceasefire agreement to stop mutual attacks and fighting while talks are underway.”
The President “also committed to provide support, if necessary, in the replacement of the ‘revolutionary tax’ that he asked to be stopped,” said Dureza.
The NDF is the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
In November last year Duterte terminated the peace talks, citing the continuing offensives by the New People’s Army – the CPP’s armed wing – against state forces and civilians.
He also declared the CPP a terrorist organization./PN
