PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte may consider going back to the peace table with communist groups, but he will only do so with recommendation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr. said.

Mr. Duterte said on Monday, Feb. 19, that the Norwegian government had asked him to renew the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army NDF-CPP-NPA).

“The Norwegian officials came here to explore the possibility of talking again. I have to consult my military people. Why? It’s them who get killed. I told them, ‘I will talk to the military. If you would agree, I might…’” Mr. Duterte said.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Mr. Roque clarified that such a possibility “is still unclear” because of the “ongoing attacks from the communist rebels.”

However, should the military propose the resumption of the peace talks to the President, Mr. Roque said Mr. Duterte “may listen” to them.

“Ang Presidente po nakikinig naman sa militar. So kung magre-recommend po ang militar na ituloy, tingin ko naman ay pakikinggan din iyan ng ating Presidente. Pero wala pong ganyang rekomendasyon sa ngayon po. (The President listens to the military. So, if the military would recommend to resume the peace talks, I think the President will listen. But there is no recommendation for now),” Mr. Roque said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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