Localized peace talks more ‘practical’ — Lacson

Sen. Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

Localized peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) would be more “practical” and “fast,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday.

Lacson made this comment after President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he is willing to resume the peace talks if it would be held in the Philippines and if local rebel leaders could engage in talks with local authorities.

READ: Duterte says peace talks not totally hopeless if Reds agree to conditions

“[Ang] localized peace initiatives ang mas practical, mabilis at menos gastos pa na pamamaraan sa pakikipagusap sa mga rebeldeng komunista,” Lacson said in a statement.

(Localized peace initiatives would be a more practical, fast, and financially-efficient way to communicate with rebel communists.)

Lacson said that CCP founder Jose Maria Sison, who declared he is ready to “fight back” against the government, does not really have control over guerilla fighters.

READ: Joma: Reds ready for war

“Maliwanag naman na walang control si Joma Sison sa mga guerrilla fighters ng CPP/NPA [New People’s Army],” Lacson said.

(It is clear that Joma Sison has no control over guerrilla fighters of the CPP/NPA.)

The senator further explained that the rebels have “different situations and forces” in each region, which is why the government should treat them uniquely according to these factors.

“Mas alam ng mga lokal na pamahalaaan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga rebelde sa kani-kanilang lugar,” he added.

(The local government knows the needs of rebels in their areas better.)

Lacson, however, cited that clear guidelines should be in place if the two parties will pursue localized peace talks.

“Ang kailangan lang ay maliwanag na guidelines at parameters para sa pakikipagusap na gagawin ng bawat lokal na pamahalaan, kasama na ang ibayong ayuda at supervision ng central government,” he added.

(We only need clear guidelines and parameters in the talks that will be done by the local government, along with aid and supervision by the central government.) /je