Philippines Ends Ceasefire with Communist Rebels, Duterte Declares "No Peace"

Philippines Terminates Ceasefire with Communist Insurgents, Duterte Declares "No Peace" Ahead LISTEN TO TLR'S LATEST PODCAST: By: Elias J. Atienza Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced the end of the ceasefire with communist rebels following the deaths of six soldiers and the kidnapping of three by the New People's Army (NPA). "In just 48 hours, we've lost many soldiers. Continuing the ceasefire seems futile," Duterte stated. The ceasefire, initiated unilaterally by both sides, lacked formal agreements and was repeatedly violated. Duterte emphasized that efforts to achieve peace have failed, prioritizing military action over negotiations. Duterte had previously offered significant concessions, including cabinet positions for leftist leaders and the potential inclusion of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) figurehead Jose Maria Sison—residing in the Netherlands and labeled a supporter of terrorism by the U.S.—in government roles. The Philippine government recently requested Washington to remove Sison from its terror list. "I deeply regret that my efforts haven't succeeded. As the song goes, my best was not enough," Duterte expressed. "There will be no peace with the c...