By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander yesterday said they are still open to local peace talks with rebels operating in the province despite pronouncements made by Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) founder Jose Ma. Sison and ending peace negotiations with the government.

303IB commander, Colonel Alberto Desoyo, said even though they are open to local talks, they will still follow orders issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It was their (CPP-NPA) decision that there would be no peace talks,” Desoyo said.

He added, even if higher-ups within the CPP-NPA cancelled talks with the national government, the army in Negros Occidental is open to talks if local rebel leaders are willing.

“If our local counterparts want to talk for peace, then it is better,” he explained.

Earlier, Sison stated “they can no longer negotiate” with the present administration.

The CPP-NPA founder added, it would be “relatively easier and more productive” if Duterte was ousted.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, recommended ending talks after reports surfaced revealing the CPP-NPA had crafted a “three-year plan” to advance their revolutionary movements by removing Duterte from office if he refused to implement a coalition government./DGB, WDJ