EDITORIALNew tone and terminology in handling communist insurgencyBy The Manila Timeshome/Opinion/Editorial/New tone and terminology in handling communist insurgencyPEOPLE are not so sure which is sadder to behold: the permanent end of peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels, or the dissolution of the government negotiating panel led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello. In our view, it is fitting that President Duterte has declared an emphatic end to both because both signify a failed and costly initiative. The effort started with a bang when President Duterte made the dramatic decision to include representatives of the communists in his initial cabinet and administration. They made demands for communist leaders in detention to be released so they could serve as consultants in the talks. President Duterte appeared to shape the government’s position by butting in.

Source: Manila Times March 24, 2019 16:07 UTC