Vice President Sara Duterte cautioned President Marcos against reviving peace talks with communist rebels, which she likened to an “agreement with the devil.”
Duterte also expressed her opposition to the amnesty proclamations issued by the President for various rebel groups, including the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army.
“History has proven the communists are not serious and are insincere in peace talks. They will use the peace negotiation to betray the government and dupe our people,” the Vice President said in a statement.
“We appeal to your power to review these proclamations and agreements,” she added.
Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, terminated peace negotiations in 2017 and declaree the NPA a terrorist organization.
“I support efforts to pursue peace because the fight against terrorists is deeply personal to me, as it is deeply personal to the families of countless Filipinos whose lives were forever upended because of the madness of terrorists. But granting amnesty is not the way to peace,” the Vice President said.
“Mr. President, we can negotiate for peace and reconciliation and pursue meaningful development efforts in the Philippines without capitulating to the enemies. We ask that you hear us out,” Duterte added.
The government and the CPP-NDF issued a joint communique last month in Oslo signaling the commitment of both parties to restart peace negotiations.