The government peace panel will have to confer with President Rodrigo Duterte before proceeding with the fifth round of talks with the communists, Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said on Friday. Dureza’s comment was sought after Duterte on Friday said he will not allow the talks with the New People’s Army (NPA) to proceed if the rebels would not stop their extortion activities. “I refuse now to resume the talks with them until they stop itong (this) extortion,” he told reporters in Camp Bahian in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. ADVERTISEMENTGovernment chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday said the fifth round of talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is scheduled for August. Dureza said he will meet with the President to seek clarification with his latest pronouncement against the NPA.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 07, 2017 11:48 UTC