Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the venue of the talks is immaterial to those who want a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict. "Ang mahalaga yung katapatan ng bawat panig na mag-usap sa kapayapaan (What is important is the sincerity of each side that will talk peace)," he added. Peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with which the government has signed and implemented a peace agreement, were held in Malaysia. Two years ago, Duterte canceled the peace negotiations between the government and the communists after the Maoist guerillas launched successive attacks against secrity forces. Asked if he thought a peace deal could be sealed before Duterte steps down, Panelo replied: "That's up to them.

Source: Philippine Star December 08, 2019 10:41 UTC