Malacañang is “disturbed” by recent attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Mindanao, despite the communist leadership’s commitment to refrain from launching offensives against state forces, a spokesman said on Saturday. In a statement, Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said several “serious offensives” committed by the communist rebels sowed doubts on the worthiness to pursue the two parties’ peace negotiations. On June 17, the military engaged in a firefight with NPA rebels in Cateel, Davao Oriential that led to the killing of five individuals, including three of bandit group’s members. The Palace official said the government would “decisively” deal with the hostile acts by the NPA, which have an impact on the peace talks. “These NPA attacks disrupt the conducive and enabling environment indispensable in peacemaking and peace building,” Abella said.

Source: Manila Times June 24, 2017 08:15 UTC