By Noreen Jazul
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it fully supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration to resume peace talks with communist rebels.
AFP Spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo
(Edgard Arevalo Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN)
"We fully trust and support the wisdom of the President for this move," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told CNN Philippines.
When asked about the armed forces' opinion on the revival of peace talks with the left, Arevalo said: "It has always been the soldiers' sentiment to have a lasting peace. If there's anyone in this country who wants peace it should be your soldiers because they are the ones facing the perils and the danger of everyday life fighting these communist terrorist groups.”
Arevalo said they will continue their offensive against the rebels since they have not yet received a ceasefire order from the President.
The AFP spokesperson added that they will not recommend a holiday truce with communist rebels.
Arevalo said based on "historical records" the communist rebels "take advantage" every time a ceasefire is declared by “doing the four R's” -- recruit, refurbish, regroup, and research.
"We do not want them to be able to do that and take advantage of this season. When we are for peace, we are for a lasting and inclusive peace, not just a short period of time wherein they be able to do it again, the four R's," Arevalo said.