DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he strongly supports President Duterte’s decision not to resume formal peace talks with the New People’s Army (NPA) as long as it continues to commit “atrocities and extortion.”
Lorenzana said he would only support calls for formal peace talks once the NPA rebels stop their attacks and extortion activities, and rein in the warmongers in their group.
He said the government has proven its sincerity in dealing with the communist movement.
“This, in turn, is reciprocated by double talk and treachery. This cannot happen all the time. We need to be clear about this. That is why I ask the leaders and members of the CPP-NPA: Do you really want peace or do you want to continue down the bloody path of war?” Lorenzana asked.
Duterte has earlier called for the cancellation of backchannel talks with the NPA following a series of attacks against civilian and military targets in various parts of the country.
These attacks include an unprovoked attack in Bukidnon which killed a police officer; the destruction of plantations which are the source of people’s livelihood in Surigao del Sur; the attack on officers of the Presidential Security Group in North Cotabato, who were there to secure the President; the blasting of landmines in Quirino where six soldiers were hurt; the killing of soldiers who were buying food in a market in Palawan; and the torching of equipment of Department of Public Works and Highways contractors in Gumaca, Quezon. (pna)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
