Du30, Go rip Reds’ perfidy

A coalition government with the communist movement is out of the question, President Rodrigo Duterte said despite his recent overtures to revive the moribund peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its negotiating arm, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

In a speech, the President assured his countrymen that he would never allow the creation of a coalition government under his watch.

“Later on, I realized that nothing else would be good except to have law and order under one government,” Mr. Duterte said.

“They will promise anything and everything. They joined the government and even showed interest towards a coalition government.That will never happen in our country. I will never allow that,” he added.

Key ally Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go also denounced the death threats against the President by the New People’s Army (NPA), saying the communist rebel group should prove its sincerity should it want the peace talks with the government to resume.

In a radio interview, Go said the threats will only imperil the proposed resumption of peace talks between the government and the NPA.

“If you really wanted peace talks, who would you talk to if you intend to kill the person you are talking with. If you want peace talks, keep him alive,” he said.

Go noted the President’s commitment to attaining peace.

Mr. Duterte has been friendly with leaders of the CPP and even appointed some of those recommended by the group to key government posts.

However, his relations with the communist party turned sour, following the series of attacks waged by the CPP’s armed wing, the NPA against government troops and civilians.

The President was forced to sign Proclamation 360 on 23 November 2017 formally ending the peace negotiations between the national government peace panel and the NDF consultants.

Duterte, in his latest speech, warned Filipinos not to be swayed by the communist ideology, which he believes is no longer relevant in modern times.

“You know, this is our only country. And until now, there are people who are terrorists trying to destroy our way of life. To the youth, do not be swayed by their ideology,” he said.

Duterte’s latest statement came three days after he directed the military to crush the country’s enemies, including the communist guerillas.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President is sincere to resume the talks with the communists but has to make a move to counter their terror activities.

Duterte also made the remarks after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. disclosed on Tuesday that the President was included on the supposed hit list of the communist movement.

On Wednesday, Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, guaranteed that the Chief Executive is safe and secure, despite inclusion on the so-called hit list.

Esperon advised the public on Tuesday to take extra caution against the communist insurgents’ supposed plot to carry out “assassinations and terrorist activities” in public places, especially in urban areas, during the Yuletide season.

“The President is sincere. No one else would negotiate with you,” he added.

Apart from the communist rebels, drug criminals and syndicates have also placed the President on their hit list, according to the PSG.

Following the threats and with the CPP’s coming 51st anniversary on 26 December, the PSG was reported to have intensified its efforts to secure Duterte.

The NPA should not undermine the trust and confidence of the President, Go said as he recalled how they visited rebels’ lairs in Davao without any security personnel to rescue abducted soldiers.

“This means that we trusted you. We went to your hideouts without bodyguards or arms. The President has trusted you. If you want peace, negotiate with him,” he said.

Go also warned the NPA to think twice before threatening the life of the President.

“The President does not want Filipinos to kill fellow Filipinos. What Filipino would want to kill a fellow Filipino?” he added.