Gov’t peace panel to confer with Duterte before proceeding with 5th round of talks

Jesus Dureza

The government peace panel will have to confer with President Rodrigo Duterte before proceeding with the fifth round of talks with the communists, Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said on Friday.

Dureza’s comment was sought after Duterte on Friday said he will not allow the talks with the New People’s Army (NPA) to proceed if the rebels would not stop their extortion activities.

“I refuse now to resume the talks with them until they stop itong (this) extortion,” he told reporters in Camp Bahian in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday said the fifth round of talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is scheduled for August.

Dureza said he will meet with the President to seek clarification with his latest pronouncement against the NPA.

“I still will have to confer with him. While [the] President gives free hand to the negotiating panel headed by Secretary Bello, in the conduct of the negotiations, we all take guidance from him,” he told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

“Pls know President gives guidance and directions to our negotiating panel. As always, we proceed in accordance with his directives,” his text message added.