Gapay not in favor of resuming peace talks with Reds

Armed Forces chief General Gilbert Gapay is not in favor of resuming peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

At a virtual press briefing on Friday, Gapay said the talks are being used by the communist rebels to rebuild the organization, recruit more members and continue their extortion activities.

Gapay reiterated that the military would not recommend a holiday ceasefire

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte may consider the military recommendation, adding the decision will be entirely up to the Chief Executive.

'Matter of time'

In the briefing, Gapay said: "Mahina na sila and I think also the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the security sector [have] already gained momentum and it's just a matter of time before we really put an end to this insurgency problem." 

"So as far as we are concerned, we are not recommending holiday truce, ceasefire this coming Christmas season. More so, we are not recommending the continuation of the peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF," he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said the Philippine government is ready to return to the negotiating table, but he stressed that the sincerity of the communists is necessary.

In a Senate hearing about the alleged red-tagging of the military, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan stressed the importance of aggressive peace negotiations in ushering economic development.

But Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. said resuming peace talks with the rebels would be foolish. 

President Rodrigo Duterte decided to terminate peace negotiations with the communist group in November 2017, with the Palace citing the supposed lack of commitment on the part of the rebels. — RSJ, GMA News