PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has already spoken on his decision to scrap the peace process with the communist rebels and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) is following his directives.
Opapp Secretary Jesus Dureza said if there is anyone who passionately dreams of and works on bringing about sustainable peace in the land, it is the President.
"His judgment calls are directed towards this goal," he said in a statement. "At the moment, he has clearly spoken on the directions we all in government should take. Let's take guidance from these recent declarations."
Duterte told reporters in Davao City Saturday night that he was not ready to resume peace talks.
"As I have said, I would like to tell the Filipino people, peace with the communists might not come in this generation," he said, adding that talks would only resume if there is "a compelling reason."
The President made the decision after he lifted the unilateral truce of the government with the rebels who were allegedly behind the atrocities in Mindanao, leaving at least six soldiers dead.
"As I always say, the road to just and lasting peace is not easy to traverse. There are humps and bumps, and curbs and detours along the way. What is important is that we all stay the course," Dureza said. (SDR/SunStar Philippines)