PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said that he is prepared to release 120 more communist rebels in government custody if the National Democratic Front signs a ceasefire agreement when peace talks resume in Oslo next week.
“If you can show me a document signed by either the Republic of the Philippines representatives and the communists, then I will release the 120. If they are ready to be released, I will release them before Christmas,” Duterte said in a speech at the lighting of the Christmas tree inside Malacañang.
Peace Secretary Jesus Dureza, meanwhile, said the government is doing its best to effect the release of the prisoners and the NDF should just wait because legal processes take a while.
“We understand their angst and impatience but we are all forgetting that these efforts were never possible nor even imaginable in the previous times. It is only during the Duterte administration that these releases are all happening,” Dureza said.
Dureza likewise scored elements who are doubting the efforts of the Duterte administration to pursue with the release of political prisoners.
“We are appalled why some sectors are now even publicly attacking government for “not delivering enough” and for the perceived delay. Those mass actions and media attacks serve as good reminders for us in government that we need to do more,” he said.
“But putting undue public pressure on the government which has already taken unprecedented steps may not yield their intended results.”
“As the President always says and does, this administration will walk the extra mile for peace. Yes, let’s all be in a hurry but let’s all keep the pace and be in step with him so we don’t stumble,” he added.
Peace negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, for his part, said that the government peace panel is processing more than 200 detained rebels were already submitted for review and approval by appropriate government agencies.
“But we have recommended the immediate release of 21 sickly detainees, three other elderly rebels and one woman detainee,” said Bello.