Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said that degrading the capability of the NPA is part of the military operations under the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. "It’s a tit-for-tat so why would we not forewarn our men, like what the secretary has mentioned, if we know that they are leaning forward to attack and destroy our forces," Padilla said. Padilla stressed that the government is committed to resume the peace talks with communist rebels. The peace panel and the NDF would hold an informal meeting this month to discuss socioeconomic reforms and the possibility of a unilateral ceasefire. RELATED: Peace panel, NDF to meet informally before 5th round of peace talks

Source: Philippine Star July 05, 2017 09:11 UTC