DND rejects NDFP’s call to release detained Red leaders

The Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday rejected calls by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) for the Aquino government to free detained communist consultants to show sincerity in the ongoing peace negotiations.

At a press briefing, DND spokesman Undersecretary Eduardo Batac stressed the NDFP should not use the ongoing peace process for the release of their jailed comrades.

“These things should not be used as leverage toward freeing prisoners who have been apprehended by forces. They will have to face the legal process because they were involved in crimes,” Batac said.

Earlier, NDFP chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni particularly called for the immediate release of Alan Jazmines, who is tag as a member of the communist group’s Central Committee, and Tirso Alcantara, alias Ka Bart, who is the top commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Southern Tagalog Region.

“Definitely, we don’t agree. And it is not good for them to use this as hindrance for the continuation of the peace talks. All parties should go beyond personalities a lot of Filipinos have been affected because of the conflict. We’re seeking ways to achieve lasting peace,” Batac said.

Army spokesman Col. Antonio Parlade echoed Batac’s statements as he questioned the NDFP’s sincerity in achieving peace with the NPA’s continued atrocities against government installations and civilians.

“Is the continued attack of government installations, businesses, construction firms, plantations part of their commitment? Is the continuous use of landmines even against civilians their commitment?

Is their policy of extrajudicial killings victimizing our soldiers and perceived civilian informants part of their so-called commitment?” Parlade asked.

Parlade said that the NDFP’s expressed doubt about the GRP’s commitment (for the peace talks) meant only to win public sympathy with an attempt to destroy the credibility of the government forces. –Mario J. Mallari, Daily Tribune