By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines (2nd update, 12:34 p.m.) — Amid reports that one of its members was nabbed, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines told the Philippine government that political consultants released on bail cannot be arrested anew on mere instruction of President Rodrigo Duterte.
On Sunday, the president terminated the peace talks after labeling the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) a terrorist group. He also ordered the arrest of jailed leftist leaders who were temporarily released to join the negotiations.
The NDF, the political arm of the communist group, said that the peace negotiations have not been properly terminated despite the declaration of the president.
The statement came as Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate confirmed in a television report that a consultant of the NDF was arrested in Davao City on Monday morning.
Read the full story at The Philippine Star