There is no stopping the Davao City Peace Council from pursuing local peace talks with the rebel New People’s Army, the declaration of President Duterte notwithstanding.
The President on Nov. 22 declared there will be no more peace talks with the NPA and its organized fronts, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said there will be no suspension or cancellation of the Davao City peace process except when Malacanang officially releases document declaring the NPAs as terrorists.
“Walang effect ang direction sa national government with regard to the suspension or cancelation of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the CPP/NPA/ NDF because the basis of the work of DC Peace is the general welfare clause under the Local Government Code,” she said at the sidelines of the national women’s peace table held at The Marco Polo Hotel on November 23, Thursday.
She said that the Office of the President has yet to issue a document with regard to the pronuncement of the President about the CPP/NDF/NPA.
that the members of the rebel group New People’s Army are terrorists.
“So far they have not released an official document about it, the pronouncement of the president was only verbal, while we are waiting for this official document to come from the national government specifically the Office of the President we will continue with our work with the DC Peace here in Davao City,” she said.
“Legally we can still continue to negotiate and talk if they still want to talk to our DC Peace,” she added.
The mayor said when the document is released, the DC Peace will discuss the effects it will have on their advocacy and the actions they will accordingly.
