Palace: Gov't will not negotiate with terrorists
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said among the developments in the ongoing operations include the recovery of P10-million worth of shabu found inside the house of former Marawi City Mayor Omar Solitario Ali. Presidential Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday stressed that the government will not negotiate with the Maute group despite its offer to release its hostages in exchange of the Maute parents.
"Government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists remains," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing.
On Sunday, Peace Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso said that eight Muslim religious leaders were able to talk with Abdullah Maute, one of the leaders of the ISIS-inspired group.
Hermoso said that the Muslim leaders and Abdullah also discussed the possibility of terrorists laying down arms.
Abella, however, clarified that the meeting was not sanctioned by the government.
"That was not sanctioned by the government, the military and our political leaders. Any demands made inside, therefore hold no basis," Abella told reporters.
The Palace official added that terrorists and their supporters must be held accountable for their actions as the gravity of their offense is immense.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier said that the priest being held captive by the Maute group in Marawi City is still alive.
Father Chito Suganob, vicar general of the prelature of Marawi, was kidnapped by Maute militants as they laid siege to the city.
Government forces earlier arrested Cayamora and Farhana Maute, the parents of brothers Omar and Abdullah, and the reported masterminds behind the Maute operations.
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