BACOLOD City — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has reaffirmed the government’s refusal to reopen peace negotiations with the communist movement following a deadly encounter in Negros Occidental that left 19 suspected rebel remnants dead.
In a statement, Teodoro said engaging in talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), would risk legitimizing what he described as criminal and terrorist acts.
“They’re the ones disturbing the peace. Why should we talk to them when they are committing crimes?” he said, reiterating the administration’s firm stance against negotiations.
The clash occurred on April 19 in the town of Toboso between alleged members of the communist group and troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the Philippine Army. The military described the incident as a legitimate armed encounter and said it is prepared to present evidence showing that those killed had engaged government forces.
Teodoro maintained that reopening negotiations could be seen as validating the group’s actions, a position he firmly rejects, thereby reigniting debate over whether to return to the negotiating table.
“To call for peace talks to elevate the morality of their cause—I cannot accept that,” he added.
The administration’s position underscores its continued focus on security operations rather than diplomatic engagement, placing it at odds with civil society groups calling for renewed dialogue.
Advocacy groups pushed back against the stance. The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas criticized the rejection of peace negotiations, describing it as a sign of insincerity in pursuing a just and lasting peace, according to a report.
The group argued that claims of stability overlook persistent issues such as landlessness, poverty, and unemployment.
At the local level, the Toboso municipal government expressed support for military efforts. In a formal resolution, the municipality commended the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion for its role in maintaining security and stability in the area, highlighting strong cooperation between local authorities and the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict welcomed a recent security advisory from the United States Embassy in Manila warning of risks posed by the NPA.
The advisory reiterated that the group is designated as a terrorist organization and cautioned against affiliation or support.
The task force said the alert underscores concerns about international recruitment and broader security implications of the insurgency, while emphasizing the need for vigilance among both Filipinos and foreign nationals.
As the government maintains its security-first approach, calls for renewed dialogue from civil society continue to clash with its hardline policy, reflecting an ongoing divide over how to address the country’s long-running insurgency./PN
