Palace confirms gov’t, NDFP peace panels’ holiday truce recommendation; No Duterte decision yet

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang confirmed Sunday the government’s peace panel and the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP) recommendation for a nationwide ceasefire over the Christmas holidays following President Rodrigo Duterte’s hint at a possible resumption of peace negotiations.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, however,  could not say  whether or not Duterte will approve the recommendation to declare a ceasefire from Dec. 23 (Monday) to January 7, 2020.

READ: Gov’t, NDFP agree to recommend holiday ceasefire

“Bukas natin malalaman (We will know by tomorrow),” Panelo told Radyo Inquirer in an interview.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said they oppose the declaration of a holiday truce.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, are members of the NDFP, an umbrella group.

Panelo likewise reiterated the government’s call to communist rebels to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society as the CPP marks its 51st founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

“Panahon na upang sila’y bumalik na muli sa ating lipunan (It is time for them to return to our society),” Panelo said.

“Tama na ‘yung limang dekadang pakikipaglaban na nagresulta sa maraming patay sa magkabilang panig. Kinakailangan magkaroon na tayo ng matagalang kapayapaan sa ating bansa,” he added.

(The five decades of struggle is enough and has resulted in deaths on both sides.  We need to have lasting peace in our country.)

Duterte earlier this year scratched the resumption of peace negotiations with the communist rebels, asking them to just “talk to the next President” and giving way for localized peace talks.

READ: BREAKING: Duterte shuts door on peace talks: Talk to the next President

But earlier this month, Duterte ordered Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to reach out to the CPP leadership on what he called his “last card” in attaining peace under his administration.

READ: Duterte gives peace talks with CPP another shot

GSG