Joma to Duterte: NDFP is still ‘open and ready’ to resume talks

Communist leader Jose Maria Sison on Wednesday said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is also "open and ready" to return to the negotiating table with the government.

Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), issued the statement after Duterte announced on Tuesday night that he wanted to resume talks with the communist group, which he had declared as a terrorist organization.

He said that with Duterte's announcement, he is expecting the government and NDFP negotiating panels "to meet as soon as possible."

Sison assured that they are "sincere in striving to negotiate and forge" comprehensive agreements with the government on social, economic and political reforms.

He also reminded the government of its earlier promise to release all political prisoners.

Sison urged "coordinate unilateral ceasefires" with the government "to start the enjoyment of peace."

In his speech in Oriental Mindoro, Duterte urged a ceasefire with the communists.

“Gusto kong magkaroon tayo [ng mapayapang] usapan. But along the way, maraming,  well, obstructions and everything but you must understand, hindi madali magpunta sa paratingan natin,” Duterte said.

“And so if we can have a middle ground, hindi ko naman sinasarahan lahat because hindi totoo ‘yang forever. Maski sa magkakasintahan, ngayon lang ‘yan. Bukas, ‘pag hawakan na ang kamay wala na,” he added. —ALG, GMA News