Zarate slams arrest of NDF consultant, four others

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate has assailed the arrest of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Adelberto Silva and four companions in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on Monday afternoon.

Zarate lamented how these arrests are happening while the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has refused to revive the peace talks with the communist group.

“Sa halip na ituloy ang peace negotiations at tugunan ang ugat ng armadong labanan ay ganito pa ang ginagawa ng Duterte administration,” (Instead of resuming the peace negotiations and solve the roots of the armed conflict, this is what the Duterte administration has been doing) the progressive solon said in a statement on Tuesday.

Last month, the House of Representatives committee on peace, reconciliation, and unity approved House Resolution 2065 urging the government to resume the peace negotiations.

“But apparently Malacañang is deaf to the demands of the people,” Zarate noted, adding that many lawmakers have signed and supported the resolution.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said Silva, Ediecel Legaspi, Ireneo Atadero, Hedda De Luna Calderon, and their driver Julio Lusania were arrested Monday and brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

READ: NDF consultant, 4 others nabbed by police in Laguna – BAYAN-ST

In January, a Manila regional trial court ordered the arrest of Silva and other NDFP consultants after it revoked their temporary liberties to participate in the peace talks. /muf