AFP spox: We negotiate from ‘position of strength’

MANILA, Philippines — “If we are to negotiate [with the communist forces], we do so from a position of strength.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said this Saturday after President Rodrigo Duterte recently announced that he will continue peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Arevalo added that military forces will continue its operations on task force against communist armed conflict that is gaining support from local government.

“We are continuing with our successful focus military operations in support of National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Arevalo said in a statement.

“That is reaping the gains tremendously in terms of NPA [New People’s Army] neutralization and enormous support of the local government and the people,” he added.

Arevalo said the AFP supports Duterte’s call for Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello to talk with CPP leader Joma Sison, noting that it leads to the attainment of peace.

“We understand that those instructions to Sec Bello are in the nature of exploratory discussion with Mr. Sison and are meant towards the attainment of sustainable peace which is the President’s and also the AFP’s ultimate desire,” he said.

READ: Duterte gives peace talks with CPP another shot

Edited by MUF