Duterte orders release of 14 convicted communists

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the release of 14 convicted communists as he renewed his commitment to forge a peace settlement with the rebels.

Duterte said while the government and the communist rebels had disagreements, he cannot afford to wage a war against his fellow Filipinos.

“I just released 14 prisoners from Bilibid, they are communists who have been convicted” the president told about a thousand Filipinos in Hong Kong Saturday.

“Sometimes there is irritation and exchange of words. But I’m a president for peace. I cannot be a wartime president. I cannot afford to fight with anybody especially to wage war against my people,” he added.

Duterte did not elaborate on the communists who were freed from prison. The National Democratic Front, which represents the communists in the peace talks, have been demanding the release of their comrades whom they claim to be political prisoners.

Membership in the Communist Party of the Philippines has not been a crime since 1992, when the Philippines repealed the Anti-Subversion Act declaring the party and its members outlaws. Suspected members of the party and of the New People's Army have however been arrested on other criminal charges that supporters say are trumped up.

Duterte is optimistic that the government and the communists will be able to iron out their differences.

“We’re talking to the NPA (New People’s Army). Medyo matigas nga (they can be stubborn) but it’s not something insurmountable. In fact, I have opened the gates of the government to the left,” he said.

Duterte cited his appointment of personalities associated with the left namely Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo and National Anti-Poverty Commission chief Liza Maza. 

The president scrapped the peace talks between the government and the NDF last February after the communists insisted on their demand to free 400 rebels whom they claim to be political prisoners. Duterte rejected the demand, which he claimed, is similar to the grant of amnesty.

The rebels then canceled unilateral ceasefire and launched offensives against government forces. Formal negotiations resumed last month after a series of backchannel talks.

The government and the NDF have signed an interim joint ceasefire in an effort to ensure the success of the peace talks. The truce will take effect once the negotiators approve its guidelines.