AFP says abduction of militiaman by NPA “not healthy” for resumption of peace talks

September 20, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the recent abduction of a militiaman in Occidental Mindoro by the New People's Army6 will not be healthy for a possible resumption of peace negotiation being considered by the president.

“I think it will not be healthy for the resumption or at least the fresh expression of intent of our commander-in-chief to again resume the peace negotiation subject to the recommendation and concurrence of the AFP,” Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Chief, told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Wednesday.

Jonathan Manlabo, a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), was having dinner with his family inside their residence in Brgy. Pinagturilan, Sta Cruz, Occidental Mindoro when he was abducted by the rebels on Monday.

“Our president and our commander-in-chief has always been consistent in his statement, his condition for the resumption of peace talks. For the peace talks to continue up to a successful conclusion is for them (NPA) to desist from extortion, to desist from killing soldiers especially those that are not in combat operations,” Arevalo said.

“So if they will not follow this, I think the president himself will not abide by it but at any rate we always say the AFP is consistently supportive of any and all efforts towards the attainment of peace,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS