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Two Maoist militants killed in Zamboanga clash
[Mindanao Examiner] Security forces killed two suspected communist militants in a clash in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte. Police said the weekend fighting broke out in the remote village of Panganuran in Sibuco town.  The bodies of the slain gunmen were retrieved by troops and policemen and handed over to village officials. There was no report of casualties on the police and military side. The fighting coincided with President Duterte’s pronouncement that he is open to resume stalled peace talks with communist leaders, but said he will have to discuss this with the police and military. Duterte scrapped the talks early this year after he failed to convince communist peace negotiators to sign a bilateral truce. New People's Army negotiators said Duterte must first release some 500 political prisoners before they agree on a cease-fire. Duterte previously said he cannot pursue peace talks with rebels while they continue attacking government and military and police targets. He also threatened to launch new offensives against the NPA if they continue deadly attacks. Rebels have rejected the cease-fire demand saying it is tantamount to surrendering to the government. “Duterte’s demand for an NPA cease-fire while the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) conduct an all-out war as precondition for peace talks is a demand to surrender. This is an unacceptable. Duterte has lost all moral ground to make such a demand." Posted by: ryuge 2017-09-20 |
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