President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday announced that he has lifted the government ceasefire with the New People’s Army due to a break down in peace negotiations arising “unreasonable demands.”
The President’s decision came few days after the Communist Party of the Philippines announced on Wednesday that it would end its truce with the government effective Feb. 10 due to the government’s failure to release all the 400 political prisoners.
“Last night, I decided – I called [Armed Forces chief] Gen. Eduardo Año and said I lifted the ceasefire tonight; wala nang ceasefire,” Duterte said during the launching of of a solar-powered irrigation system in North Cotabato.
Duterte pointed out that achieving peace with the communists “cannot be realized in this generation.”
“I really would like to express my sadness – we cannot have a peaceful generation; there will always be fights,” he pointed out.
With the lifting of the government’s unilateral ceasefire, the President told the government forces to be “ready to fight” as the suspected NPAs started attacking the military troops.
Duterte bewailed losing six military officers after the NPAs lifted their ceasefire declaration Wednesday, derailing the peace talks.
“I have lost many soldiers within 48 hours – I think continuing the ceasefire would not produce anything,” he pointed out, adding that he has asked the soldiers to return to their camps to clean their rifles and “be ready to fight.”
Duterte mentioned that he has exerted his effort when he freed several rebel leaders just to let them join the peace negotiations as a building measure.
He also made it clear to the rebel group that he does not decide alone about the peace process and that he conducts consultations with different stakeholders including the police and military.
“I would have wanted very much because it’s about 50 years in the making, gusto niyo another 50 years? Kung walang katapusan, sige,” he said.
“I am sad to report to you that there will be no peace with the communists for the next generation. Paubusan lang talaga ito, wala akong magagawa,” he said, adding that he tried but he is losing end of the bargain.
