Sison on Thursday criticized President Duterte for unilaterally cancelling the resumption of peace talks with the rebels. For their part, the military brushed aside the threat aired by Sison that the rebels would continue the people’s war in the wake of the suspension of the peace talks. Sources said the President had a change of heart after senior military officials reportedly requested him to delay the resumption of peace talks for three months after consultations with all stakeholders. The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said the cancellation of the peace talks is not a good sign for the peace process as a whole. “The reason offered by Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, of the need to hold public consultations, appears flimsy and disregards years of public fora and consultations held on the peace talks,” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said.

Source: Philippine Star June 15, 2018 15:33 UTC