The NSC meeting comes soon after President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels, ahead of the government’s formal resumption of peace talks with them. President Duterte will discuss on Tuesday with the National Security Council (NSC) the Philippines’ next steps on vital issues, including the peace process, the war against illegal drugs, and the country’s arbitration court victory over China with regard to the West Philippine Sea. The 35-member council will be given an overview of the Road Map for Peace and Development by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The meeting this afternoon will be the first time the NSC would be convened during the Duterte administration, according to the Presidential Communications Office. ADVERTISEMENTThe Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will also update them on the campaign against illegal drugs.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 26, 2016 10:30 UTC