Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has rejected calls for renewed peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), saying the group should be treated as criminals and terrorists rather than political actors.
He said engaging in formal negotiations would legitimize their actions and insisted that the government should not talk to those he accused of disturbing the country’s peace.
Teodoro’s remarks came weeks after a deadly clash in Negros Occidental that left 19 alleged NPA rebels dead, though the group disputed the figures and claimed civilian casualties.
He noted that peace negotiations with the communist movement have repeatedly collapsed over decades despite past efforts under several administrations.
While the defense sector maintains a hardline stance, the government’s peace office continues to pursue localized peace talks and reintegration programs for former rebels.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 3, 2026
DND CHIEF REJECTS RENEWED PEACE TALKS WITH CPP-NPA-NDF
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