Talks with Reds still off despite Norwegian envoy’s visit – Roque

President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes Norwegian Special Envoy to the Peace Process Between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines Idun Tvedt as the latter paid a courtesy call on the President at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on February 15, 2018. Also in the photo are Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte is not yet inclined to resume peace talks with the communist rebels even after his meeting with Norwegian Special envoy for the Philippine peace process Idun Tvedt.

Duterte and Tvedt met on Thursday night in Davao City and their talks were described as “warm and open” by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

While Duterte said during the meeting that the Philippines remained committed to achieving peace, Roque said it would not signal the resumption of peace talks.

“No. The President just said that he is committed to peace. In-explain naman po ni Presidente na talagang parang wala nang kinabukasan ngayon ang peace talks dahil nga po walang sinseridad ang CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) pagdating sa usapang pangkapayapaan,” he told reporters in a press briefing in Manila.

Asked why the President was unenthusiastic to resume talks with rebels, Roque said the government does not see any sincerity on the part of the communists.

“Hindi po kasi pwedeng makipag-usap sa mga tao na di nakikipag-usap ng tapat,” he said.

Roque said there was nothing to blame but the NPA for the collapse of the peace talks.

“Lahat po tayo ay nagnanais na magkaroon ng kapayapaan. Gaya ng nasabi ko na dati, this is the fault of the CPP-NPA. Kinakailangang makakita po ng sinseridad sa hanay ng CPP-NPA,” he said.

He said government offensives against the rebels would continue.

“Bakit pa po makikipag-usap ng kapayapaan kung ayaw namang magkaroon ng kapayapaan  ng CPP-NPA. Ngayon po tuloy po ang laban,” he said.

On November 23, 2017, Duterte signed Proclamation No. 360, formally terminating the peace talks with the communist rebels.

He also signed a proclamation declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.