AFP supports indefinite suspension of peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) supports President Duterte's decision to indefinitely suspend peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF).

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo stated that recent rebel attacks, including ambushes on troops distributing aid and theft of relief goods during the enhanced community quarantine, demonstrate the rebels' insincerity towards peace.

Arevalo highlighted that the NPA committed 17 ceasefire violations during the initial days of the ECQ, suggesting a lack of control by the leadership over ground forces.

He asserted that the CPP-NPA has historically used peace negotiations to consolidate their forces and resume offensives rather than genuinely pursuing peace.

The AFP spokesperson also refuted claims that the Duterte administration is exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to justify martial law, emphasizing the military's support for peace and development initiatives.

The communist insurgency in the Philippines has spanned over five decades, with past negotiation attempts consistently failing due to irreconcilable demands from the CPP-NPA-NDF.