Duterte on resuming peace talks in June: I’m not ready for that

President Rodrigo Duterte. Presidential Photo / KING RODRIGUEZ

Update (9:27 p.m.)

President Rodrigo Duterte said he is not yet ready to resume the peace talks with the communist rebels scheduled this June.

“So, I’m talking to [Jose Maria] Sison, sabi niya June. No, I’m not ready for that. Kailangan ko pa nang konting panahon [I need a little more time],” Duterte said in a speech during the oath taking of village officials in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

(So, I’m talking to [Jose Maria] Sison, he said June. No, I’m not ready for that. I need a little more time).

Duterte made the statement after Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, on Thursday said the scheduled resumption of peace talks between the government and the communist rebels would not push through.

READ: Dureza: Peace talks with Reds on June 28 canceled

The renewed peace negotiation was originally scheduled on June 28.

Despite the postponement of the negotiations, the President said he was still hopeful to achieve peace in the Philippines.

“Sabi ko sa mga sundalo, wag kayo masakatan. Alam ko sa inyo masakit sa puso niyo to make peace with the enemies of the state. The problem is one of my commitment is I will talk to the enemies of the state, talks about peace, and maybe in the fullness of God’s time, we will realize our dream for a troubled Philippines,” he said.

(I said to my soldiers, do not get hurt. I know it hurts you to make peace with the enemies of the state. The problem is one of my commitments is I will talk to the enemies of the state, talks about peace, and maybe in the fullness of God’s time, we will realize our dream for a troubled Philippines.) /jpv