Philippine leader declares ceasefire with communist rebels

The danger arises when the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) refuse to respond positively “which seems to be the case at least for the moment since they are now demanding for the release of political prisoners before reciprocating with their own ceasefire, ” Lacson said.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Known for his disdain for pomp and protocol, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte turned his first state of the nation address Monday into primetime entertainment by injecting jokes and showing his unease with the teleprompter.

Duterte’s warning to drug dealers and rogue officials and policemen was harsh.

Police have reported killing more than 200 drug suspects, or an average of 11 per day, since he assumed office.

“There will be no let-up in this campaign”.

Mr Duterte, 71 said Monday he would accelerate infrastructure spending, build more access roads to tourism gateways and provide inter-island transport links. “Or below the ground if they so wish”. Beleno added he was optimistic about the deal and that the military and the police are now have “high morale” as a result of the announcement. Swept to power on a surge of public anger at the establishment for its failure to tackle poverty and crime, Mr Duterte soon made global headlines with his incendiary statements, such as promising medals to any member of the public who shoots a drug dealer.

His address was widely anticipated and the buildup dominated by promises by his aides of a rousing speech that would stir patriotism.

During the address, Duterte called on the PNP to intensify its efforts to clamp down on narcotics in the country.

“The AFP shall likewise continue to support law enforcement operations to help ensure unhampered flow of social, cultural, religious, political, and economic activities of the people and the delivery by the LGUs, LGAs, and NGOs to the communities”, it stressed. Another topic of interest: what comes next in relations with China-and the territorial dispute over the South China Sea.

He welcomed a landmark July 12 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s vast claims and said global law should be observed and solutions found for “peaceful resolution and management” of conflicts.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the 17th Congress Monday, July 25, 2016, at suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines.

An global human rights group has branded President Rodrigo Duterte as a “cheerleader” for the killing of drug suspects, an act which he seemed to have advocated in his first State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Luis Jalandoni, the chairman of the NDF negotiating panel, said he has already written to Labor secretary and the chairman of the government peace panel Silvestre Bello III to affirm that the NDF looked forward to the resumption of formal talks in Oslo, from August 2 to 27.

“We’re always ready. It (fighting drugs) is better than going up the mountains (to go after rebels)”, he said.

“The commander in chief has initiated a very bold move and we fully support him in his effort to bring sustainable and lasting peace”, said military spokesman Brig.

Duterte, who counts exiled rebel leader Jose Maria Sison as a friend, had said in recent weeks he was prepared to release 11 communist members to take part in the talks.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said they were also elated with the President’s commitment to peace with the communist rebels.

Phelim Kine, deputy director in Asia for the US-based Human Rights Watch, said “as long as President Duterte turns a blind eye to – or implicitly or explicitly encourages – summary killings, the fundamental right to life of all Filipinos is at risk from potentially random extrajudicial violence”. “Not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living”.