President optimistic about peace talks with communists

BULUAN, MAGUINDANAO — President Duterte has expressed optimism about the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

“I am trying to talk to the NPA (New People’s Army). Maybe, with the grace of Allah, it might become successful,” he said in a speech on Wednesday during the turnover of some 900 surrendered firearms from various Maguindanao towns.

He said solving the communist rebellion was one way for Mindanao to become progressive. The military had earlier said that the bulk of NPA fighters in the country was based in Mindanao.

“If this (rebellion) would go away, Mindanao would improve,” the President said, who again offered the rebels new livelihood and houses if they surrendered. —ALLAN NAWAL