THE government’s peace negotiators on Wednesday questioned the sincerity of communist rebels seeking peace talks with the government, saying that recent attacks by their armed wing, the New People’s Army, resulted in calls for the government to drop the negotiations and pursue all-out war.
While Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the fifth round of talks with the communists would push through in The Netherlands from May 27 to June 1, he said he was dismayed by the NPA attacks.
“Although a bilateral ceasefire is not yet in place, the public’s common reaction to these incidents questions the sincerity of those with whom we talk and deal with across the table. The public also questions their capacity to manage and control their forces on the ground,” Dureza said in a statement.
“There are even calls now to stop the talks altogether and pursue an all-out military offensive against their armed groups,” he added.
Dureza said the recent NPA attacks will not deter the government from pursuing the peace negotiations with Communist Party of the Philippines and its political arm, the National Democratic Front.
“We, who are tasked to seek a peaceful and principled settlement must pursue, with more vigor, these peace engagements with the communist rebels. Our expectation is that our unrelenting efforts in addressing the issues, bridging the ideological divide and finding a common ground may eventually pay off and bring about just, sustainable and enduring peace in the land.”
In Davao City, the NPA apologized to the fish vendor who was injured when a makeshift bomb exploded during an “offensive operation” against government troops.
In a statement, National Democratic Front of the Philippines- Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson Rubi del Mundo said the regional council of NDFP-SMR ordered the indemnification of Larry Timbal Buenafe.
“The NDF-SMR deeply apologizes to the family of Mr. Buenafe and to the public for this occurrence,” Del Mundo’s statement said.
Earlier, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and the city council of Davao slammed the NPA for the blast that wounded Buenafe, who is now fighting for his life in the hospital.