Following his decision to no longer pursue the peace talks with the communist rebels, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Proclamation No. 360, confirming the termination of peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP), Malacañang announced on Thursday.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Panel for Peace Talks with the CPP-NPA-NDFP also received orders from the president to halt their peace talks and meetings with the Reds.
Roque said that the communist rebels failed to respond in accordance to what the government is offering.
“While we agreed to resume peace talks with the aforementioned group and exerted our best efforts to accelerate the signing and implementation of the final peace agreement, the NDFP-CPP-NPA has engaged in acts of violence and hostilities,” Roque said.
“We find it unfortunate that their members have failed to show their sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peaceful negotiations,” he added.
Roque stressed how Duterte always wanted to leave a legacy of peace under his administration and his efforts to walk the extra mile for peace. He also assured that the chief executive will continuously pray for the peace that the Filipinos are seeking for the beloved country in the fullness of God’s time.
DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 11/ 24/17