By Christina Mendez
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang remains non-committal on calls for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines even after CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison pushed both parties to return to the negotiating table.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella yesterday said unless President Duterte changes his mind on the termination of peace talks, presidential advisers and Cabinet members would have to respect Duterte’s decision.
“There is no formal statement coming from President Duterte. But all I can say is, I’m sure the President is a listening president and he will continue to consider the advice of his secretaries and his peace advisers,” he added.
Duterte opted to terminate the peace talks last week after the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the CPP, launched attacks against soldiers in the countryside. The President said the leftist group went overboard.
Duterte terminated the peace talks after lifting a unilateral ceasefire. He also said he does not anymore see a peace pact being reached within his term and he would not resume the talks unless he sees a compelling reason to do so.
Abella said the Palace would assess developments in the next few days.
Read the full story at The Philippine Star