(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, June 20, challenged Jose Maria Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines founder, anew to return to the Philippines to talk.
“I am challenging you, come and I give you my firm commitment, personal and official, I will assure your safety and security,” Duterte said in a speech in Iloilo.
According to Duterte, he would pay for Sison’s fare, “maski first-class kasi may sakit ka na.”
“I’ll give you the small window of 60 days. Make or break tayo dito sa panahon ko,” he said.
He said if nothing happens, “then forget it.”
“Pag wala na, wag na wag ka na bumalik sa Pilipinas kailanman. Hindi kita tinatakot,” he said.
“(But) I will see to it you will be able to (board) the plane and go back to where you came from,” Duterte said.
Sison had said he would be returning to the Philippines in August, but on Tuesday, June 19, he clarified this was no longer possible as “Duterte has upset the work schedule of the panels by canceling the resumption of formal talks in Oslo from June 28 to 30.”
He said he would only set foot in the country if a comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms is signed between them and the government.
The President canceled peace talks with the Communist rebels last year, following their alleged attacks on soldiers despite a ceasefire in place, among others.
He, later, however, ordered his officials to work toward the resumption of peace talks.