Saying Reds weak already, AFP chief rejects return to peace talks

MANILA, Philippines—Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay rejected the idea of resuming peace talks with communist rebels, saying a pause in the counterinsurgency war would simply give rebels time to rebuild their ranks.

“They only buy time, respite from the pressures being provided by security forces,” said Gapay at an online press briefing on Friday (Dec. 4).

“Their capabilities are on the decline, their numbers are dwindling and in fact we have their backs against the wall and this is not the right time to really impose or recommend such ceasefire or even peace talks,” he told reporters.

On Thursday, the military said it would not recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte a ceasefire for the holidays with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. The government and NPA had been traditionally declaring ceasefires during the Christmas season.

“For so many years, we have learned our lessons,” said Gapay. “First, they are not sincere here. In the past, we had a ceasefire and they continue to attack not only security forces, but even communities for the purpose of extortion,” he said, speaking in Filipino. “So there are many incidents,” he added.

He said to “permanently” end the insurgency, the government has to deprive rebels of any chance to rebuild, recruit or continue with their tax collection which the AFP chief said was just extortion.

“They are already weak and I think the security sector has already gained momentum,” Gapay said. “It’s just a matter of time before we really put an end to this insurgency problem,” he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said separately early this week that they were open to the resumption of peace talks as long as communist rebels showed sincerity.

“The government is ready but what we want from them is a little bit of sincerity,” said Lorenzana in a TV interview. “For as long as they are waging this war against the government I will advise the President not to resume the peace talks” he said.

While Esperon shared Lorenzana’s views, he said the decision to resume talks rests solely on the President.

TSB