Published: 12:53 p.m., June 18, 2018 | Updated: 10:13 p.m., June 18, 2018
Malacañang no longer sees the need to have a third-party facilitator in the peace talks between the government and communist rebels.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement as he confirmed that President Rorigo Duterte wanted the peace talks to be held in the Philippines instead of Norway, the third-party facilitator between the peace negotiations government and communists.
“Hindi naman po kinakailangan pa na mangibang-bayan para makipag-usap para sa kapayapaan lamang dahil tayo naman pong lahat ay Pilipino,” Roque said in a Palace briefing on Monday.
Asked who would facilitate the peace talks in the Philippines, Roque said, “Wala na po siguro. Nandito na naman tayo sa Pilipinas.”
“We have a panel. And they have the authority to fix the logistics,” he added.
The government, he said, would communicate the matter to the Norwegian government.
“Whatever process needs to be undertaken will be undertaken but the President has emphasized that this is a talk between Filipinos it should be held in the Philippines,” he said.
Despite having no third-party facilitator, Roque said “any party” willing to help would be welcome.
“Any party who wants to help and who has been involved in the process can help,” he said.
Peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Thursday announced the postponement of the schedule resumption of peace talks scheduled this July. /vvp /atm