Gov’t tells Reds to show sincerity in peace process

Malacañang on Wednesday said communist rebels should help the government in its fight against terrorism instead of attacking state forces amid talks on the possible extension of martial law.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the rebels “must stand against a common enemy” and show its sincere commitment to peace talks.

On Tuesday, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) asked its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to launch “armed counteractions and offensives” against state forces amid the government’s plan to extend the military rule in Mindanao.

“To show that the CPP/NPA/NDP is truly in pursuit of peaceful coexistence, they must stand against a common enemy, regardless of martial law extension,” Abella said in a statement.

“The Duterte administration has shown in numerous occasions its strong commitment to bring peace. It is time for the CPP/NPA/NDFP to reciprocate the government’ gestures of goodwill by ending their extortion and criminal activities and re-directing their energy to help eradicate terrorism and violent extremism in Mindanao,” he added.

In a letter sent to Congress, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2017.

The President said the “existing rebellion” in Mindanao would not end on July 22, the 60th day in the limit prescribed by the Constitution upon the declaration of martial law.

The CPP said the proposed five-month extension of military rule in Mindanao would result in worse abuses by the military and the police. CBB