By Mar Gabriel
Eagle News Service
The Philippine National Police will continue to go after communist rebels.
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, PNP spokesperson, made the pronouncement even after President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday that peace talks with the communists could continue if they stop committing alleged atrocities and agree to a ceasefire.
“In fact, ang intel community, tuloy (ang paghahanap sa kanila)..Habang walang peace talks tuloy ang effort na yun,” Bulalacao said.
He clarified, however, that a resumption of peace talks was welcome, adding that the PNP hoped to see the other party’s “sincerity” should this take place.
Bulalacao’s sentiment was echoed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“Magkaroon (sana) ng bilateral ceasefire,” he said.
In response to Duterte’s recent statement, Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines was also ready and open to the resumption of peace talks.
Duterte terminated peace talks with the communist rebels last year, following what he said were their atrocities that included the killing of a baby and extortion activities.
Only recently, a House resolution signed by 61 lawmakers was filed, urging the President to resume the negotiations.
