LABOR Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Thursday said it is still “possible” to go back to the peace table with communist groups next year despite the administration’s shift towards localized talks.
“Anything is possible. The President’s commitment to our country is inclusive and lasting peace for our country. If it means resuming the peace negotiations, why not?,” Mr. Bello, who is also the government’s peace panel chair, said in a press briefing at the Palace.
He also said that President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s rhetorics against the communist umbrella group National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), were “normal” given that country is still under a state of armed conflict against them.
“There is still no peace so banatan ‘yan (the battle is on). And if I were President, I would do everything to crush the rebellion,” he said.
Mr. Bello also confirmed the resignation of Francisco “Pancho” Lara Jr. As chief of the government peace panel’s ceasefire committee. Mr. Pancho reportedly stepped down from his position due to conflicts with the President’s demand on the peace negotiations.
“I saw a Facebook (post) on that… But I can confirm that although I’ve not talked to him yet. I confronted some of my members and asked them if the press release is accurate and a member of the panel confirmed that it is accurate,” he said. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

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