Don’t complicate matters in Mindanao, CPP urged

MANILA, Philippines -  The government yesterday called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to immediately recall its “senseless” order for an intensified offensive against the military. 

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who is also chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF), said the CPP’s order for an intensified offensive could be interpreted as support for the terrorist activities of the Maute group in Marawi City.

“Lest it be construed as abetting the criminal and terror acts of Maute group and a gang of Moro bandits, we put the CPP to task to correct its error and recall its senseless order,” Bello said in a statement.

By opposing the declaration of martial law and ordering an intensified attack, Bello said the CPP showed lack of sincerity in the peace talks with the government.

Bello stressed that President Duterte’s declaration of martial law is not in any way intended to stamp out the CPP.

“The President, in no uncertain terms, categorically declared he was not after the New People’s Army (NPA). He, in fact, reiterated his keenness in pursuing peace,” Bello said.

He said the conditions that prompted the declaration of martial law were public knowledge.

“There was a need to restore law and order, protect the lives of citizens and preserve private and state properties,” Bello pointed out.

Last Wedneday, the CPP strongly opposed the declaration of martial law and ordered its military arm, the NPA, to intensify attacks against government forces.

Bello said the CPP made a false reading of the intent of the President in placing Mindanao under martial law.

“We therefore find the CPP directive to the NPA to intensify attacks as totally misplaced, borne out of a grossly distorted appreciation of the President’s intention,” Bello said.

Bello, however, affirmed the government’s commitment to forge a peace agreement with the CPP.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday appealed to the CPP to unite with the government in fighting terrorists in Marawi City.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos called on the CPP not to further complicate the situation in Marawi by ordering the NPA to conduct offensive operations.

“What you want is for the good of our countrymen. I hope we are together in that,” Carlos said.

Peace talks with Moro rebels

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) reiterated Thursday their commitment to the peace process in the wake of the crisis in Marawi City.

The two rebel groups also condemned the siege since Tuesday afternoon of several barangays in Marawi City by Maute and Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Al-Haj Murad Ibrahim, chairman of the MILF’s central committee, said they condemn the violent attacks in Marawi.

“There is no justification for launching an offensive against civilian populace and to destroy infrastructure and institutions serving the public,” he said in a signed press communiqué The STAR received on Thursday.

Murad said the MILF, which separated from the MNLF in the 1980s, remains committed to the peace process that aims to put a negotiated closure to the four decade-old Moro issue.

He said the MILF is hoping the martial law declared by President Duterte late Tuesday will not in any way infringe on their interim security agreements with the national government, including the mechanisms of the ceasefire enjoining mutual cooperation in addressing peace and security issues in conflict-flashpoint areas.

The government and the MILF have a standing ceasefire accord, the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities that binds the group, the police and the military to work together in maintaining law and order in hostile areas.

The MNLF faction identified with former Cotabato City mayor Muslimin Sema also gave assurance yesterday that it will keep its commitment to the peace process. – With Jose Rodel Clapano, Emmanuel Tupas, John Unson