MANILA, Philippines—Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay rejected the idea of resuming peace talks with communist rebels, saying a pause in the counterinsurgency war would simply give rebels time to rebuild their ranks.
“They only buy time, respite from the pressures being provided by security forces,” said Gapay at an online press briefing on Friday (Dec. 4).
“Their capabilities are on the decline, their numbers are dwindling and in fact we have their backs against the wall and this is not the right time to really impose or recommend such ceasefire or even peace talks,” he told reporters.
On Thursday, the military said i…
Keep on reading: Saying Reds weak already, AFP chief rejects return to peace talks