Duterte upbeat on Oslo talks

MANILA, Philippines -- President Rodrigo Duterte is upbeat about the ongoing peace negotiations in Oslo and is confident that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front are determined to talk peace with the government.

“I’m really creating an environment (conducive) to (doing) business especially in Mindanao. If by chance I hit a deal with the Left, we’re halfway through,” Duterte said during the oath-taking of leaders of business groups in Malacañang.

He noted that the communists allowed their compatriots to join the government service.

Among the people associated with the Left who were given government posts are Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, and National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor Liza Maza. 

Duterte also noted that he tried to pick a fight with the rebels but they did not react negatively.

“They have declared the ceasefire so there is no reason to prolong it (conflict),” the president said.

Prior to the resumption of talks, Duterte mocked the communist rebels, portraying them as a group that pretends to have clout despite failing to secure elective posts. He also accused them of extortion and criticized them for using landmines, which are prohibited by the Geneva Convention.

Duterte said there is no need for him to go to Oslo to oversee the peace talks for now. He said he would just wait for the results of the negotiations, which started on Aug. 22.

Duterte is also hopeful of reaching a settlement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front. Both groups have signed separate peace agreements with the government in past administrations.

“If that happens, our only enemy will be the gangsters, brigands, the bandits. They have nothing to offer except to torture and kill people,” he said.