NSC: Peace talk possible even if NPA sees this as an ‘additional battlefield’

FRESH START Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. says the agreement between government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is “not a resumption of [peace] talks, nor a restart,” but a new beginning. A November 2023 handout picture shows President Marcos’ special assistant Antonio Lagdameo Jr. shaking hands with NDFP chair Luis Jalandoni. (File photo from AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Government is now in a favorable point where it can seek a peace settlement with Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP/NPA).

National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya expressed this position over radio DZBB on Monday.

He said the present condition has been a result of government’s “strategic victory” against the Maoist rebels.

“I think the Philippine government is in a better position to demand from them because we could now leverage (the strategic victory),” Malaya said over radio DZBB.

“We are enjoying the fruits of the victory of the government against the communists,” he added.

Last year, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared a strategic victory against NPA, saying that the rebel group had no more active guerrilla fronts.

This development came, as CPP/NPA’s political wing – National Democratic Front of the Philippines – began to explore the possibility of resuming peace talks with government.

Despite the decrease in armed clashes between government troops and insurgents, Malaya said AFP is not letting its guard down.

He said the reason is because CPP/NPA still views an engagement like a peace negotiation as an “additional battlefield.”

“I think we have to approach this situation with a discerning eye,” Malaya noted.