Duterte, NSC to discuss peace process, drug war, maritime row

President Duterte will discuss on Wednesday with the National Security Council (NSC) the Philippines’ next steps on vital issues, including the peace process, the war against illegal drugs, and the country’s arbitration court victory over China with regard to the West Philippine Sea.

The meeting in the afternoon will be the first time the NSC would be convened during the Duterte administration, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

The 35-member council will be given an overview of the Road Map for Peace and Development by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

The Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will also update them on the campaign against illegal drugs.

The NSC meeting comes soon after President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels, ahead of the government’s formal resumption of peace talks with them.

The President heads the NSC, which is composed of around 35 leader-members from the executive and legislative branches of government, including past Presidents of the Republic, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, the majority and minority leaders of both houses of Congress, the chairs of Senate and House committees involved in national security concerns, and various members of the Cabinet. JE/rga