Activists prod Duterte to resume peace talks with Reds

Resume peace talks with the communist rebels.

This was the “simple wish” of progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) for President Rodrigo Duterte, who is celebrating his 73rd birthday this Holy Wednesday.

Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said a just and lasting peace is the solution to the country’s many serious problems.

“Simple lang ang ‘birthday wish’ namin sa Pangulo: na timbangin niya ang hangarin ng mamamayan para sa kapayapaang nakabatay sa katarungan, at isaalang-alang ito sa desisyon kaugnay ng pagtutuloy ng peace talks para lutasin ang mabibigat na problema ng bayan,” Reyes said in a statement.

(We only have a simple birthday wish for the President: that is for him to weigh the people’s hope for peace based on justice and consider this in the decision to continue the peace talks to solve many pressing problems of the country.)

Duterte terminated the peace negotiations with the communist rebels late last year, citing hostilities between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA).

But Reyes insisted that Duterte consider speaking personally with his former professor, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison, to finally clear the issues on the peace talks.

Sison is currently in exile in The Netherlands.

“Ito ay para magkalinawan sila sa mga isyu at usapin. Sa telepono man o personal, makabubuting silang dalawa na mismo ang mag-usap at baka magkaroon ng breakthrough,” Reyes said.

(This is to clear the issues. Whether through phone or personal, it is better if they speak with each other directly and they might reach a breakthrough.)

“Sa sambayanan, ang Semana Santa ay okasyon din upang magnilay kaugnay ng kapayapaan, karapatang pantao at katarungan,” he added.

(For the people, the Holy Week is also an occasion to reflect on peace, human rights, and justice.)

Duterte is set to “quietly” celebrate his 73rd birthday in his hometown Davao City with his family.

READ: At 73, Duterte praised for decisive leadership, compassion

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