AFP open to localized peace talks with NPA groups

While reflective of the dissent within the New People’s Army (NPA) ranks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is open to pursuing localized peace talks with rebels. (Photo:
Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA—While reflective of the dissent within the New People’s Army (NPA) ranks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is open to pursuing localized peace talks with rebels.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo ‘s press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday.

Request for such negotiations came from NPA groups operating in the Visayas and Masbate, he added.

These groups are reportedly surprised at the decision of their national leadership to terminate the unilateral ceasefire with the government effective 11:59 p.m. of Feb. 10.

And while the military is open to such negotiations, Arevalo said a mechanism must be first crafted so that common ground rules between the two parties can be set-up.