Reds expected to launch moves to make presence felt

MANILA, Philippines - Communist rebels are expected to attempt to “make their presence felt” as the movement’s peace talks with the government remain stalled, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said yesterday.

“They may engage in activities or incidents that will make them get noticed,” Gazmin said. “Since the peace talks are not moving they may make their presence felt.”

The defense chief said that insurgents usually attack private establishments or police outposts to project strength.

Government forces are also bracing for possible attacks during the 44th anniversary of the New People’s Army, the armed unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), on March 29.

 Gazmin said the peace negotiations with the CPP and the National Democratic Front (NDF) would not succeed if their stance is not clear.

“You have seen the sincerity of the government. You have also seen the insincerity of those we are talking to. They keep changing their positions. We won’t have an agreement if that’s the case,” he said.

Gazmin has rejected the demand of the NDF to free rebel leaders who are allegedly also peace consultants. The NDF represents the communist rebels in the peace negotiations.

The NDF said the detention of its peace consultants is in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.

Under the agreement, communist guerrillas working as peace negotiators have immunity from arrest.

The alleged NDF peace consultants now in jail include rebel leader Alan Jazmines and NPA commander Tirso Alcantara. The two are facing various criminal charges.