Palace: No preconditions in peace talks

MANILA, Philippines - The government is open to resuming peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines, but will not release detained CPP leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon prior to negotiations, a Palace official said yesterday.

“Our emphasis is always – there are no preconditions when it comes to peace talks,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters.

“This policy applies to both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the CPP and its political arm National Democratic Front (NDF). This is something we have said time and time again.”

The Tiamzons are detained on kidnapping and other criminal charges, Lacierda said.

He echoed the statement of Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, who wanted to hold a meeting first with CPP-NDF leaders before returning to the negotiating table.

“Let’s see first if we can resume the talks and let’s make sure the talks are doable and time-bound before we discuss anything else so that we will avoid the experience of the past,” he said.

CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison had earlier expressed intention to meet with President Aquino regarding the peace talks.

Lacierda refused to confirm or deny reports that retired Armed Forces chief Emmanuel Bautista will lead the government peace panel.

“We only make announcements that are official. We have no information as to that particular information,” Lacierda said in response to queries that PhilHealth president Alexander Padilla will be relinquishing his post as chief government negotiator.