‘Success of peace talks depends on sincerity of CPP-NPA-NDF’

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said while he is in favor of peace talks with communist rebels, its success depends on the sincerity of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF).

He cited several attempts to strike a peace pact with the CPP-NPA-NDF, which bogged down with the government ending up at a disadvantageous position after releasing captured members and leaders of the movement.

“We have proven many times that they’re not sincere in keeping ceasefire. They instigated hostilities left and right, and it’s become frustrating to go on talking peace. So we really to be careful about making any decision,” said Eleazar.

“The government has been sincere in guaranteeing peace and development in communities,” he said. “Leftist groups have been batting for the same but hostilities and abuses they allegedly instigated persist. Before we resume peace talks, we have to be very sure about their sincerity, ” he added.

President Duterte has said it is up to the next administration to pursue another round of peace talks with the communist group.

It was in 2019 when Duterte  formally announced the end of the government’s peace negotiations with communist rebels. This was due to the alleged attacks perpetrated by the NPA against government troops.

Eleazar said the government is currently doing well in the campaign against communist rebels by downloading funds and initiating programs and projects down to the barangay level where the rebels recruit and operate.

The strategy, he said, also led to the surrender of thousands of communist rebels and their supporters in far-flung areas as the government focuses on localized peace talks.

“We should focus on this, because if the results are favorable we may not need peace talks through the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” said Eleazar.