THE military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has assured support to the possible resumption of the stalled peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), an organization the Malacañang and the Armed Forces have tagged as “terrorist.”
This came even after recent attacks in Davao City and Davao del Norte where New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned the heavy equipment used in the construction of access roads in the remote areas.
On Tuesday, President Duterte said he was open to talking again with the Communist Party-NPA-NDF but with certain conditions.
The state-owned Philippine News Agency reported that Eastmincom spokesperson Maj. Ezra Balagtey said it is the discretion of the President since he is the commander-in-chief.
“But, of course, our commanders will be giving a situationer for the President to decide if he will pursue the peace talks or not,” he said.
Balagtey said whatever the decision of Duterte after he receives the situationer, the Eastmincom would abide by it.
“There are many factors that are being considered and we will be supporting the President on the peace initiatives that he is pursuing,” he said.
Earlier, Duterte said in his speech in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro the communist rebels should stop their hostilities if they want to resume peace talks with the government.
“So it, first time ko ito nagsalita since (Joma) Sison is always mentioning about the peace process. I am ready. First thing is we should stop killing each other. Then if we can have peace; and if you do not have the money, the government will subsidize it,” Duterte said.
The President said both the government and the NPA should agree on some fundamentals.
“In the meantime na kung gusto niyo talagang totohanan is you stop immediately, you and I ceasefire tayo. Ni walang isang putok, maski labintador and I would be happy,” he said.
He also urged rebels to stop collecting a “revolutionary taxes” and harassing businessmen. The President said his No. 1 condition is a ceasefire and then no taxation. Duterte said he is even willing to shoulder expenses during the peace process.
But the President emphasized that there would be no “coalition government” “for the simple reason that I do not own the sovereign power of the state.”
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