MANILA, Philippines — The stalled peace talks between the government and the communists may resume in two months, National Democratic Front chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison said on Wednesday.
The government has suspended the fifth round of talks with the rebels after the Communist Party of the Philippines ordered its troops to intensify attacks against the military and police. The CPP issued the directive as an act of defiance against President Duterte’s decision to place Mindanao under martial law in the wake of terrorist attacks in Marawi City.
The NDF, which represents the communists in the peace negotiations, has asked the CPP to take back the order but Malacañang insisted that the directive should be placed in writing.
Despite the issue, Sison believes that the two parties would go back to the negotiating table soon.
"It's only a matter of time before they agree to resume the fifth round of the talks…In two months, it’s possible,” Sison told the ABS-CBN News Channel in an interview.
Sison, who has been in self-exile in the Netherlands since 1987, said the government and the communists are determined to put an end to their decades-old conflict.
“The two sides are showing common determination to talk. Do not be surprised if in a short time, the two sides announced that in principle, the peace negotiations have not been cancelled and the fifth round was just held back,” the communist leader said.
Duterte has expressed readiness to talk to the communists but has also warned them that he is prepared to fight for another 50 years if they continue to attack government forces.
The CPP had offered to help the government in its campaign against Maute terrorists in Marawi City but the president rejected it, saying the communists “do not fit into the picture.”
Sison confirmed that the CPP had offered to join military operations against the terrorists.
"President Duterte, he accepted, he welcomed the offer of help eventually but he said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines can fight the Maute,” he said.
Sison said the government and the communists are observing a ceasefire in areas where the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf are operating.
“For the entire Mindanao, the two sides have determination and intention to refrain from fighting,” he added.