DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the New People’s Army (NPA) “communist terrorists,” a day before of the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF). Lorenzana, in a statement, reminded the public that the 4,000-strong NPA had been involved in rampage and the burning of private equipment and properties. “They do these to companies who build roads, export produce, transport people–activities that help generate employment and wealth for Filipinos,” he said. The Department of National Defense chief noted that NPA rebels had attacked and ambushed military and police personnel “on home leaves.”“They did these nefarious acts after they have asked for the resumption of peace talks and after they have announced that they will go on a unilateral ceasefire,” the Defense chief said. Bello said Friday he expected the week’s talks to be “very difficult and exacting,” with no guarantees for a breakthrough.

Source: Manila Times April 01, 2017 17:26 UTC