PNP assures NDF reps of safety

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday assured the safety of communist leaders Luis Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoili should they choose to return to the country this month.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said it is their mandate to ensure everyone’s safety, including those convicted of violations or are perceived to have violated laws.

“We are mandated to ensure the safety and security of all Filipinos regardless of their political beliefs,” he said in a text message, adding that both leaders are free to move around in the country unless they have pending warrants of arrest.

However, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde clarified that the police have yet to receive instruction from President Duterte on their course of action once the two, along with Coni Ledesma, arrive.

He added that if the government issues safety passes to Agcaoili – the National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panel chairman – and Jalandoni – negotiating panel senior adviser, then the police and military will escort them while in the country.

Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said the military also supports efforts to talk peace with the communists.

“While your AFP is always prepared for war, we are also prepared for peace,” he declared.

Albayalde cautioned though that if Agcaoili and Jalandoni have pending warrants of arrest, which are still being verified by operatives, then the police might have to serve these and implement the law.

Agcaoili, in a statement posted on the NDF website, confirmed yesterday that he, along with Jalandoni and Ledesma, are planning to come to the Philippines this month to personally discuss with Duterte the resumption of talks between the government and communist rebels.

He said the trip is in connection with their “work as members of the NDF component in the Joint Monitoring Committee under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.”

“In this regard, we welcome the opportunity to meet with the President unless he does not want to or his military is against it,” he added.

Duterte earlier said Agcaoili and Jalandoni want to talk to him but are worried they might be arrested.

In a previous speech, he was quoted saying: “I said, you will really be arrested... They said they want to talk to me. So I called a cluster meeting with the military. So what do you think? It’s not a very big margin but maybe.”

Although he has yet to decide, Duterte said he might make an announcement after his trip to Papua New Guinea and Singapore.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the President has the prerogative to talk directly with the three.

“He doesn’t even have to clear or consult with anybody,” he told reporters yesterday, adding that his opinion on the issue would not even matter.

The government terminated peace negotiations last year after the New People’s Army – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines –repeatedly attacked civilian and military targets. – With Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano, Michael Punongbayan, Rhodina Villanueva, Romina Cabrera