Malacanang said on Thursday the killing of four policemen allegedly by the New People's Army could affect efforts to resume formal peace talks with the government.

 

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reiterated the conditions set by the Duterte administration for the possible resumption of the negotiations.

 

"It will provide some sort of hindrance," Abella said when asked if the reported execution of the NPA to the policemen in Davao del Sur on Wednesday could affect efforts to resume the peace process.

 

Abella added while the incident could "influence the talks," "there's a bigger thing which is the part of the process."

 

Prior to the ambush of the members of the Philippine National Police wherein they were allegedly shot in the head, Duterte had said there were "back channeling" talks with the leftist rebels.

 

Abella said he was not privy if NPA leaders, couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, were involved in the back channel talks.

 

Among the conditions set by the government for the resumption of the talks with the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, include ceasing from collecting "revolutionary tax" or "extortion" by the NPA; ambushes on military personnel; burning of property; and provocative and hostile actions.

 

The CPP-NPA-NDF leadership has been asking the government for the resumption of the talks. (Celerina Monte/DMS)