PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte recanted Friday his earlier pronouncement that there will be "no more talks" with the communists as he expressed openness to the possible revival of formal peace negotiations.
At the 17th founding anniversary of Digos City, Duterte said the government would only push through with the peace dialogue with communist leaders if the rebels declare a ceasefire with the government forces.
"There will be no talks until you declare a ceasefire. Period," the President said in a speech delivered at the Digos City Gymnasium in Davao del Sur.
Duterte's latest remark was contrary to his statement on July 21 that he was already worn-out to communists' hostile acts against the security troops, despite his intent to pursue a peace deal with the group.
During his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) delivered on July 24, the President announced that communist rebels is the government's "next target" as soon as the armed conflict in Marawi City ends.
"No more talks," Duterte said in his Sona. "If they want war, just wait until Marawi. We can better deal with you."
Despite his mere rhetoric against the communist party, Duterte is yet to issue a formal notice of termination of peace talks with the communists.
Duterte scrapped the peace talks twice following the string of attacks laid by communists' armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA).
On February 4, Duterte terminated the peace deal but it was resumed on April 4 following the successful back-channel talks between the government peace negotiators and communists' consultants.
The fifth round of talks, which was initially set from May 27 to June 1, was also called off after the two parties faced "serious" challengers.
In his latest remark, Duterte urged the NPA rebels to instead surrender to the authorities.
"I have a proposal with the NPA. Surrender, I will make you soldiers of this Republic. I will make you a Cafgu (Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit). Just Cafgu but I will give you a gun to protect the Republic of the Philippines," the President said. (SunStar Philippines)