The Philippine government’s attitude against any resumption of peace talks towards a ceasefire is long overdue.
This was the stand of Senator Roland ‘’Bato’’ Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, as he welcomed the pronouncement of President Duterte that there would be no ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA), the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), during remaining period of his term which ends June 2022.
“The government has finally awakened from deep slumber characterized by deceitful means employed by the CPP/NPA/NDF,’’ said Dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, also former PNP chief, said that since possible peace talks would now be localized, ceasefire with NPA rebels is better discussed at the local level as well, probably on a case-to-case basis.
“Rebels who may wish to lay down their arms but wouldn't know how to go about it could find confidence to do so if a localized ceasefire is in force,’’ Lacson, chairman of the Senate national defense and security committee, said.
Philippine military officials have rejected any move for a resumption of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/NPA/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
They had emphasized that the CPP/NPA has no intention to genuinely pursue peace negotiations.