Govt Remains Open to Peace Talks with Communist Rebels, Says President Aquino

(PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III has reiterated that his administration remains open to peace talks with the communist rebels but noted that they must show sincerity before negotiations resume.

“Ang gobyerno parating bukas makipag-usap ng kapayapaan. Pero kailangan naman makita natin ang sinseridad,” the President told Bombo Radyo Philippines during an exclusive interview held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) bogged down after the latter sought the release of its consultants who are in government custody.

Aside from the issue on the consultants, President Aquino said the communist organization had offered a special track so that the talks could resume but it later backtracked.

He also recalled that a few months ago, he got reports from his peace adviser that instead of sticking to their list of major demands, the rebels made more unrealistic demands that were impossible to meet.

“Imbes na magkaroon lang ng pinakasentrong mga demands, pinalaki nang pinalaki nang pinalaki, parang sinabi na ring, ‘imposible itong mga demands na gugustuhin namin para hindi matuloy itong usapan’,” the President said.

“So, hinihintay lang natin ‘yung sinseridad nila para naman may patunguhan. Hindi iyong parang mekanismo lang para pakinabangan lang nila at hindi ng sambayanan. Kung maipapakita ‘yung sinseridad, bakit hindi tayo mag-umpisa ng usapan ulit?” he added. (PNA) RMA/PND/EDS