‘Be friendly with Reds’Duterte tells AFP, PNP after declaring ceasefire with communist rebelsBy Genalyn D. Kabiling and Rocky NazarenoPresident Duterte has directed government forces to avoid “hostile actions” and instead be “friendly” with the communist rebels following his formal declaration of ceasefire with the revolutionary group. Many lives have already been lost from both government and the rebel group for the past 45 years of the rebellion, he added. I am not a President who would enjoy waging war against the citizens of this Republic,” he added. Duterte said his “regret for the nation” was that the peace talks with the rebels should have been pursued a long time ago to avoid casualties. The latest presidential directive came after Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced a supposed government truce last August 21 ahead of the resumption of the peace talks in Oslo, Norway.

Source: Manila Bulletin August 25, 2016 16:05 UTC