AFP backs PRRD decision to postpone peace talks anew

FILE: “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the nation in earnestly yearning for a lasting peace in our land that will be owned by and acceptable to the Filipino people at large,” AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters Friday. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed its strong support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to postpone the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the nation in earnestly yearning for a lasting peace in our land that will be owned by and acceptable to the Filipino people at large,” AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters Friday.

“It is for this reason that we support the desire of our Commander-in-Chief to afford more time for consultation with the public with regard to the matters discussed during the back channel talks and ensure that its substance enjoy the support of a broader mass base,” he added.

Arevalo added that the AFP subscribes to the shared aspiration towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace through dialogues and deliberations.

While waiting for this, he said the military shall continue to perform its mandate to protect the people, ensure peace, and uphold the territorial integrity of the country.