Meeting between Duterte and left “somewhat tense”, says Bayan

July 19, 2017

A meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday  was”somewhat tense, more serious and revealed glaring differences in major issues”, according to a statement by Bayan on Wednesday. In a statement by Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes, he said Duterte told them martial law in Mindanao will not be extended and will not target the left. “The Mindanao activists said that that was not reality on the ground. They related how Martial Law is being used to militarize communities and attack Lumad schools. Several communities have been displaced as a result,” said Reyes. Reyes said Duterte told them he wants a prolonged ceasefire before any reforms can be discussed. “We reiterated our position that the peace talks must continue because it is in the interest of the people and that the surest way to achieve peace is through socio-economic and political reforms. It appears that the fate of the talks and the people’s desire for a just peace will again be held hostage by the ceasefire issue,” said Reyes Duterte gave no commitment on the issue of militarization of communities, saying that this was a reality in the ongoing civil war, according to Reyes. “For our part, a condition of extended Martial Law can only mean that military abuses and attacks will increase,” he said. “After the meeting, it was clear why there should be nationwide mass protests during the SONA. The people must persevere in the fight for genuine change,” Reyes said he informed Duterte of the rallies during his State of the Nation Address. “He said he will not stop these and will allow protesters to air their demands near Batasan,” said Reyes. DMS