(Eagle News) — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, July 11, said it would be “more practical” to hold “localized peace talks” with the Communist rebels.
Lacson made the comment after the Palace said the government was pushing for the same instead.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said peace talks should be held in the Philippines and not in another country, a statement Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison took offense at.
The peace talks were supposed to resume on June 28, but the government suspended the same, citing the need for public consultation.
According to Lacson, apart from being the most practical method, “localized peace initiatives” were the faster way to talk to the rebels.
He added they would require less expenses.
“Maliwanag naman na walang control si Joma Sison sa mga guerrilla fighters ng CPP/NPA (New People’s Army),” Lacson said, adding that it was the local government that best knew the needs of the rebels in their areas.
“Ang kailangan lang ay maliwanag na guidelines at parameters para sa pakikipagusap na gagawin ng bawat lokal na pamahalaan, kasama na ang ibayong ayuda at supervision ng central government,” he added.