Though it is still early days, what has been the impact of the Mindanao-wide martial law on these ongoing peace initiatives thus far?
Since the declaration of martial law, most of the headlines have been devoted to the Maute group and the ISIS threat in the Philippines, while very little has been discussed about its impact on the various peace processes involving armed groups in Mindanao, which Duterte had signaled as one of his administration’s top priorities upon assuming power. As the weeks progress, it will be interesting to see whether the administration uses martial law as part of a narrower anti-terror campaign, or whether it uses it as part of a broader political strategy to resolve the armed conflict that has been plaguing Mindanao for decades.
Read more at The Diplomat
Philippines: Duterte Ends Talks With Communist Rebels
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has announced that he is canceling the peace talks which his government had initiated with the Communist Party of the Philippines.
This was his response after the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) said it will end its unilateral ceasefire with the government effective February 10.
Read more at The Diplomat