(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte is open to resuming peace talks with the communist rebels, Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate said on Sunday.
In a radio interview, Zarate said the President made the pronouncement during a meeting with officials of the Royal Norwegian Government, the third party in the negotiations, in Davao.
He said this was after members of the House committee on peace, reconciliation and unity met with Idun Tvedt, the new special envoy for the peace process of the Norwegian government.
The meeting, he said, prompted the circulation of a House resolution urging the President to resume the peace negotiations.
At least 60 lawmakers signed the resolution.
“Although sabi niya, (Duterte) has to consult with his security officials,” Zarate said.
As for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, Zarate said it was also open to the resumption of negotiations.
“..For as long as maitutuloy yung substantive agenda nung naudlot nang peace process,” Zarate said.
Duterte terminated peace talks with the communist rebels last year, citing what he said were their atrocities that include the killing of a baby, and extortion activities.
Duterte also labeled the group as terrorists.