Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that while there are “informal discussions” between the government and the communists, the arrest of retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan had nothing to do with the peace process.
“I think it is also inaccurate to say that the arrest was done to please the NDF (National Democratic Front),” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, referring to the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
He said the arrest happened because of intelligence work by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“I don’t think you can relate the arrest of Mr. Palparan as a confidence-building measure (for the peace talks),” he added.
Lacierda said it was because the government was committed to “apprehend anyone who evades the law.”
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