THE resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the communist group is impossible for now because of the latter's "penchant for double talk and treachery," Malacañang said Tuesday, March 27.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said President Rodrigo Duterte is bent on achieving long-lasting peace, but the communists have turned into "spoilers of peace."
"Right from the very beginning of his term, the President’s position has always been clear and consistent: He remains committed to peace," Roque said.
"However, we find it unfortunate that the communists have become spoilers of peace because of their penchant for double talk and treachery. Their motives are not for attaining sustainable peace but rather to push for their greater control and influence," he added.
Over 60 congressmen have signed House Resolution 1803, urging Duterte to revive the peace talks between the state peace negotiators and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultantants.
Duterte, through Proclamation 360 signed on November 23, 2017, formally terminated the peace dialogue between the government peace panel and the NDFP, political wing of the communist party.
Roque thanked some of the House lawmakers who signed the resolution in support of the current administration's peace agenda.
But he said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People's Army (NPA) must first "cease their hostilities against innocent civilians and government forces; end their extortion activities, violent streaks and wanton killings; lay down their arms; and return to the fold of law and restart to live normal lives."
"We recognize the independence of House of Representatives in filing House Resolution 1803," he said.
"As before, we reiterate that there must be an enabling environment that must be present for the desired resumption of peace talks such as genuine sincerity on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF," he added.
Roque said that while there are no peace talks yet, the Duterte administration would do its best to convince communist guerillas to surrender to authorities and help the government in pursuit of peace.
Recently, Duterte held a series of meetings with former members of NPA, assuring them a better life by providing assistance to them.
"Rest assured that the government will exhaust any and all means to achieve lasting peace towards unity and progress," he said. (SunStar Philippines)