Davao mayor sets date for meeting with local NPAs
THE COMMUNIST National Democratic Front (NDF) may have snubbed President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s endorsement of localized peace negotiations, but Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio is determined to pursue talks with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in her constituency. The NPA is the armed group of the communist movement. Ms. Carpio, daughter of the President, said she has already set the date for the “next meeting.” In a text message to local news outlets, Ms. Duterte said the meeting “will be on Nov. 17,” but did not give further details as to the venue and the expected participants in the discussions. The NDF, in a statement released last week, shot down the idea of localized peace talks saying their ranks are united. ”The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people’s money in setting-up these useless local peace committees which will go nowhere and achieve nothing,” the NDF said. Mr. Duterte revived the peace talks with the NDF and its affiliate Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) when he assumed office in July 2016. However, he ordered a suspension in May this year after the CPP leadership called on the NPA to step up attacks. Last week, Mr. Duterte urged the NPA to lay down their arms as he promised to provide them with housing and livelihood opportunities. The NDF said such promise demonstrates a “shallow appreciation” of the roots of the armed conflict. —