Sara to continue local peace talks with Reds

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Even as President Duterte ordered the cancellation of peace talks with the communists, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she would continue localized talks with the rebels in this city.

Carpio said the cancellation of the peace talks between the national government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NPA)-National Democratic Front would not affect ongoing peace talks with local leaders.

The Davao City Peace Committee (DC-PEACE) headed by retired judge Ridgway Tanjili is leading peace negotiations with NPA leaders here.

“The basis of the work of the DC-PEACE is the general welfare clause under the Local Government Code,” Carpio said.

She said localized peace talks do not contradict with the position of the national government.

“Our work and the work of the national government is not incompatible, especially now  that they will not pursue the peace talks,” Carpio said.

She said she would only cancel localized peace talks with NPA rebels once Malacañang declares the rebel group as a terrorist organization.

“There is no paper yet. Everything is just verbal. Legally, we can still continue to negotiate and talk if the NPA still wants to talk with our DC-PEACE,” Carpio said.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced on Wednesday that the government would no longer hold peace talks with communist rebels as ordered by the President.

Dureza said he had informed the Norwegian government, which is facilitating the peace talks, of Duterte’s decision.

In a speech Tuesday night, Duterte criticized the NPA for its attacks on soldiers and police officers even as he threatened to categorize them as a terrorist group.

The President said he is prepared to go to war with the communists.