Duterte confident of peace pact with CPP-NDF before end of term

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he was confident that the government sign a peace pact with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-National Democratic Front (NDF)-New People's Army (NPA) before the end of his term in 2022.

Speaking before local officials in Maguindanao, Duterte said that his administration's peace efforts with the communist group is "progressing little by little."

"I do not... I do not think that it will be there even mga four, five years, and I’d be happy that if by the time I go out, then there is a settlement somewhere," Duterte added.

Duterte, who was able to maintain a good relationship with the NPA group in Davao during his incumbency as mayor, said that the country will not get anything out of the continuous armed confrontation with the communist rebels.

"Maganda na iyan sa atin eh kaysa magpatayan. Ano ba ang makuha natin diyan? You cannot defeat government and we cannot overthrow the government," he said.

Duterte also talked about the government's peace efforts with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Nur Misuari's faction of the Moro National Liberation Front.

"We can always develop this country. Make everybody happy. Magreresputahan lang tayo, okay na 'yan," he said.

The resumption of peace talks between the government and the communist group will resume on August 20 in Oslo, Norway.

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said that before the resumption of talks, the government will release 11 communist leaders who will participate in the negotiations.

The peace talks, according to Dureza, will begin with a ceremonial opening.
It will be followed by an affirmation of signed agreements and talks on the ceasefire, joint agreement on safety and immunity guarantees (JASIG), and then the possible release of other political prisoners.

Other substantive political and socio-economic issues may also be discussed.
Aside from the representatives of both sides, the incoming Senate President and House Speaker are also invited to observe  the peace talks. —ALG, GMA News