Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to scrap negotiations with communist rebels, describing the talks as an “apex of futility.”Brig. The President made the decision following recent attacks by the NPA on government troops. The dissidents also “rob the indigents of relief package at this time of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) crisis,” he added. He cited “recent reports from the ground” that there were at least 17 ceasefire violations committed by the rebels. The military and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Santos’ request might have been “out of place,” but were firm in defending him.

Source: Manila Times April 30, 2020 16:38 UTC