Duterte urges Sison to come home for peace talks

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed and political wings, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front to seize the opportunity of the government’s 60-day window to resume peace negotiations, The Manila Times Online reported on Monday  (April 23).

He also called on CPP leader Jose Maria Sison to come home and to participate in the peace talks while promising to give the communist rebels to move around unmolested if they surrender their arms.

“This is a proposal to Sison. I will not go (to The Netherlands) since what we are fighting over is the Philippines. You come here,” said Duterte during his address at the 24th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines Annual Convention in Legazpi City.

Sison has been living in exile in The Netherlands since the 80s.

President Duterte said he would shoulder Sison’s air fare and other expenses if he will come home for talks and, at the same time, he urged NPA rebels to give up their arms.

Duterte terminated the peace talks with the communists in November last year after signing a proclamation declaring the CPP and NPA terrorist organizations.

Last month, the President gave in to calls for peace and decided to give the peace talks with communists another chance.