THE government on Saturday cancelled peace talks with communist rebels, citing their continuing offensives amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao. The fifth round of peace talks was scheduled from Saturday to Thursday, June 1. It was the second time for the talks to hit a roadblock under the administration of Duterte, who had vowed to pursue peace talks with rebel groups, including communist and Moro rebels. The President had suspended the talks in February over rebel attacks in Mindanao. Bello explained that martial law in Mindanao was sought to restore law and order, protect the lives of the citizens and preserve private and state properties.

Source: Manila Times May 27, 2017 16:18 UTC