Gov’t seeks clarification on talks with Reds

MANILA, Philippines - The government is considering reviving peace negotiations with the communist rebels but wants to clarify the parameters of the offer from Communist Party of the Philippines chairman Jose Maria Sison to restart the talks and even meet with President Aquino.

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said on Friday that Sison’s offer was disclosed through a media interview.

Coloma said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles had announced that her office is working with the Norwegian facilitators to determine how the process could move forward.

“We want to ensure that when talks resume, it will be based on a platform that has the possibility of reaching a successful conclusion. The offer to talk to the President is a new element at this time. The last we heard they were calling on the Filipino people to oust the President,” Deles said.

Coloma said the government is open to all options that could be taken to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

He said the lines with the communist rebels remain open despite the stalled formal negotiations.

Asked whether a peace agreement with the communist rebels will be reached before Aquino steps down in 2016, Coloma said: “I think before we consider conclusion, we must look at inception or continuation because the negotiations must be done step by step.”