SENATOR Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa has something to say regarding the peace talks between the government and the communist terrorist group (CTG).
“Mr. President, the government’s statement with the NDFP in Oslo was an agreement with the devil. We have proven in history that they are not serious, and they have no sincerity in matters of peace,” according to VP Sara Z. Duterte.
These were the strong words made by Vice President Sara Duterte on the government’s planned peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa echoed her sentiments.
Sen. Bato respects VP Sara’s appeal to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. regarding the controversial Oslo Joint Communique.
If VP Sara opposes the said agreement, Sen. Bato is in favor, but with one condition.
Sen. Bato insists there should be no ceasefire despite the peace talks.
“Everybody wants peace, whether in peace talks. But if we engage in peace talks, it should not be on their terms with the NPA. It should be on the government’s terms. We will not be dictated to by them,” according to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Sen. Bato emphasized that the CTG should not be in a position to dictate terms to the government, including granting amnesty to communist rebels.
He explains that peace talks have been attempted several times under different administrations, but all have ended in failure due to a lack of sincerity.
“Because if there’s a ceasefire, they [CPP-NPA-NDF] will use it again to strengthen themselves, go to barangays, recruit people, select weapons, buy logistics. That’s what those NPAs will do. Believe me, there’s no end to that,” Dela Rosa added.
Sen. Bato also mentioned that the government was nearing the end of the fight against insurgency, but entering into peace talks seems to undermine the government’s earlier efforts.
“How many peace talks have we had after President Marcos? Who followed Marcos? Cory Aquino, Erap, Ramos, Aquino, Duterte. What happened to our peace talks? Nothing. It’s like they’re just playing with us,” Dela Rosa said.
