NDFP agrees: DENR secretary should be chosen by Duterte, not Left

National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace panel spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili (right) and Ateneo de Davao University president Fr. Joel Tabora SJ talk about the prospects of the peace process in Davao City on Wednesday evening. KARLOS MANLUPIG/INQUIRER MINDANAO

DAVAO CITY—The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has said that it agrees that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary should be appointed by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

NDFP peace panel spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili said Duterte told them he had to backtrack on his initial offer for leftist groups to choose the next environment secretary.

“Sabi niya kasi maraming sindikato diyan,” Agcaoili told the Inquirer on Wednesday.

Duterte said that if progressive leaders would handle the agency at this time it might only cause more tension, according to Agcaoili.

The New People’s Army is known to have a strong stance against abusive extractive economic activities, including attacks on large-scale mining and logging operations.

“Actually, it is his (Duterte’s) prerogative to take the offer back. And if we look at the why, his explanation is reasonable and just,” Agcaoili said.

The communist leader said they were also confident that Duterte’s position on the environment would be beneficial to the people.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate’s name was earlier floated as an appointee for the position.

Sources said Duterte might hold the position for a year and he would be assisted by an undersecretary who is a retired military official.