Duterte says ceasefire could be over after soldier dies

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to withdraw a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebel groups declared during his first State of the Nation Address, after rebels were involved in the death of a government employee.

On Wednesday, the New People's Army -- the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) -- ambushed a Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit in a village in Davao del Norte province, killing a government militiaman and injuring four others.

In a televised speech Thursday, Duterte said he had called a leftist congressman and chairman of the negotiating panel of the government, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, to demand an explanation.

"What's this, are we into this truce or are we not?" he asked. "I said to them, give me an answer by tonight because when tomorrow, nothing would be done, I will cancel, we return to the fray or fight," he said.

According to Duterte, disciplinary action could also be taken against those responsible on the government side if they are found culpable.

“If we have wronged, we punish our men and women. Expect the same and I demand an answer that who are guilty they must also be put under disciplinary action."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines suspended its military operations Tuesday following Duterte's declaration during Monday's first State of the Nation Address.

In the address, Duterte said he aims for a "permanent and lasting peace" before his term ends in 2022.

The CPP welcomed the declaration, describing it as a positive boost to peace talks scheduled Aug. 20-27 in Norway, but adding that the release of political prisoners should follow immediately.

It has yet, however, to declare its own ceasefire.

On Thursday, Presidential Peace Process Adviser Jesus Dureza announced that negotiations between the government and communist rebels would resume in Oslo, Norway on Aug. 20, after a decade-long lull.

Dureza told reporters in Manila that there was no immediate commitment from the government to release communist party members who are facing criminal charges.

"The resumption was postponed to next month from late July to make sure that all negotiators are available," Dureza said.