Duterte encourages Sison to return to PH

Updated April 6, 2017, 10:35 AM

By Genalyn Kabiling

President Duterte has encouraged Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, to come home amid his health ailment.

National Democratic Front’s (NDF) Senior adviser, Luis Jalandoni and founder of the Filipino Communist Party and NDF’s Chief Political Consultant, Jose Maria Sison take part in a meeting as part of the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDF organised by the Dutch government on April 2, 2017 in the Dutch town of Noordwijk aan Zee./ AFP PHOTO / Sophie MIGNON/ Manila Bulletin File Photo

The President assured Sison would not be arrested when he returns to the country and even offered to pay for his hospitalization.

Duterte extended his invitation to Sison when he talked over the phone with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Labor Secretary and chief government negotiator Silvestre Bello III who are in the Netherlands for the fourth round of peace talks.

“Sabi ko you tell Sison because he’s sick, very sick. He can come home. I’ll give him a free, freedom of movement. I will not arrest him… I’ll even pay for his hospitalization kung gusto niya,” he said.

“I’ll even pay for his hospitalization kung gusto niya,” Duterte added.

The President however stood firmly behind his four conditions for the successful peace negotiations with the communists.

Duterte said he has called for clear parameters for the peace talks as well as the bilateral ceasefire. “Kung wala ‘yan, ayaw ko. Gyera na lang tayo,” he said.

He said the communist rebels must also stop collecting revolutionary taxes.

Duterte said he has called for the release of all prisoners, adding the communist group plans to comply “in the next two days.”

The communist rebels must also not claim any territory in the country, according to the President. He said they do not own any territory that gives them right to drive away military troops or civilians.

Tags: Duterte administration, health, Jose Maria Sison, Manila Bulletin, Peace talks, President Duterte

Idoy

Joma Should be allowed to return to lead the CPP and participate in the political debate that would project the better future for the country and the next generations of Filipinos. Joma has always been for Filipino independence away from foreign political interference. It is needed now because, the super power protector will have its own big problems in the next several decades even century.