Malacanang terminates services of peace exec amid sans talks with Reds

March 20, 2019

Malacanang has terminated the services of Rene Sarmiento as a member of the government peace panel with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In a letter dated March 18, a copy of which was released on Wednesday, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Sarmiento's removal was due to the termination of the peace talks with the Maoist group.

"In view of the termination of the peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF pursuant to Proclamation No. 360 (s. 2017), your appointment dated 18 July 2016, as Member of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines Peace Negotiating Panel for talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF is hereby terminated, effective immediately," he said.

Medialdea directed Sarmiento to turn over all official documents, papers and properties in his possession to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

President Rodrigo Duterte unilaterally ended the peace process with the communist rebels when he issued Proclamation No. 360 in November 2017.

He made the decision due to the leftist rebels' continuous acts of violence and hostilities despite the peace process.

Shortly after the termination of the peace talks, Duterte also declared the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations. Celerina Monte/DMS