No more political prisoners to be freed – Rody

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte said no more political prisoners will be released despite the resumption of formal peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front (CPP/NDF) today in Oslo, Norway. 

In a press conference early yesterday morning, Duterte said that the 19 political prisoners, including couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were released to enable them to participate as consultants in the peace negotiations was enough gesture of goodwill to the CPP/NDF.

The President explained he would no longer have any cards left if he frees all political prisoners. 

“No, I will not release. It is enough for the meantime… If you think that I will release all prisoners, all NPAs in custody, huwag na lang tayong mag-usap kasi released naman sila (then let us not talk because all of them are released),” he said, referring to other New People’s Army rebels in state detention.

“Do you want this republic to surrender to them or the communists surrendering to us?” he added.

The 19 political prisoners released to serve as consultants for the peace talks are Ma. Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, Tirso Alcantara, Ariel Arbitrario, Kennedy Bangibang,  Alex Birondo, Winona Birondo, Renante Gamara,  Eddie Genelsa,  Alan Jazmines,  Ernesto Lorenzo, Alfredo Mapano,  Ruben Saluta, Jaime Soledad, Adelberto Silva, Loida Magpatoc,  Porferio Tuna Jr.,  Pedro Codaste,  and the Tiamzon couple.