The NDF had earlier urged the New People’s Army (NPA) to “refrain” from attacking government forces particularly in Mindanao amid the Marawi siege. Abella said the NPA attacks cast doubt on the sincerity of the communist rebels on pursuing peace talks with the government. On June 17, the military engaged in a firefight with NPA rebels in Cateel, Davao Oriential where three rebels died. READ: NPA rebels seize guns in Iloilo raid“These NPA attacks disrupt the conducive and enabling environment indispensable in peacemaking and peacebuilding. The scheduled peace talks between the government and the NDF on May 27 to June 2 were suspended following the continued attacks of rebels against government forces.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 24, 2017 04:52 UTC