Communist leaders in Oslo on Saturday told its armed wing, the New People’s Army to refrain from launching new offensives against government troops as it renewed calls for a ceasefire with the Duterte administration to focus on the ongoing crackdown against Islamic State-inspired groups.
“For all forces to be able to concentrate against Maute, Abu Sayyaf and AKP groups, the NDFP has recommended to the CPP to order all other NPA units in Mindanao to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] and Philippine National Police [PNP],” National Democratic Front chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said, provided, however, that the government orders the military “to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the NPA and people’s militia.”
“The NDFP is ready to discuss and agree in detail with the GRP on how ceasefire, coordination and cooperation can be achieved in Marawi City by both forces unilaterally keeping safe distances between each other,” Agcaoili added.
The NDF panel likewise reiterated its declaration opposing and fighting terrorism saying that they were “determined to counteract the Maute, Abu Sayyaf and Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines [AKP] groups which are wrecking havoc in Marawi City.”
“As a matter of fundamental principle and constant policy, we condemn and combat terrorism. By terrorism, we mean actions that intimidate, terrorize, harm and murder civilians solely or mainly and in violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
The supposed fifth round of talks between the government and communist rebels broke down last May 27 after President Rodrigo Duterte slammed the communists’ pronouncements to intensify attacks against government forces amid the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The NDFP earlier heeded Duterte’s call to help fight terrorists in Marawi by directing NPA units “to redeploy for the purpose of mopping-up, holding, and blocking operations.”
The President, however, retracted his calls for the communists and Moro fighters to join his war against his war against terror, saying that they “no longer fit into the picture.”