MANILA — Two Mindanao-based Catholic bishops on Friday expressed appreciation to the possible resumption of peace talks between the government and the communist rebels.
Earlier, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he is willing to re-open the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines -New People’s Army- National Democratic Front with certain conditions.
Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña said engaging in dialogues is a way to find solution to the nagging issues surrounding the peace accord.
“Thanks, his heart finally softened. Dialogue is the way to resolve our problems,” he said.
Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad noted that efforts in achieving peace is always welcome.
“When it is about peace, it is always appreciated. It’s very good that they will resume the peace talks…With peace, there is development and in fact Pope Paul VI said that the other name of peace is development. What President Duterte has done is well-appreciated,” he added.
On Wednesday, Duterte ordered the government peace panel to work on the resumption of talks with communist rebels.
For the talks to resume, the government has set certain conditions which include declaring an absolute ceasefire, putting an end to the supposed clamor for a coalition government, and stopping the collection of so-called revolutionary taxes.
Last year, the President has suspended the peace talks as the rebels continued to stage attacks against government forces. (PNA)
