Department of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday disclosed that there are still no formal peace talks yet with the Communist Party of the Philippines' political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

In a television interview, Teodoro lamented that there was only a "mis-appreciation" when the Oslo joint communique between the government and the NDFP was released to the public.

"I think there was a mis-appreciation of what happened. What happened was the agreement to have exploratory talks. Not yet peace talks which because as I understand it, there was a request by the NDFP to a negotiator that they are willing to give up the armed struggle," Teodoro said.

Citing information received, Teodoro confirmed that the NDFP has initiated the exploratory talks.

"But regardless of whoever initiated, the important thing and it is clear because it's getting span out of proportion that these are exploratory talks without any preconditions, whatsoever," Teodoro said.

"There are no formalized peace talks and we have to see first what the conditions are for talks to continue," he added.