As of Aug 1, 04
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Philippine State, Society & Economy, 1986-1992 Apr 3, 87 Philippine Rebels Doubt Whether Aquino Can Sustain All-Out War Rebel leaders expressed doubts friday about whether the government of president Corazon Aquino can wage a 'Total War' against them, saying massive scale counterinsurgency operations are not economically-viable and would spawn numerous human rights violation. Satur Ocampo, former chief negotiator of the rebel coalition National Democratic Front (NDF), said the rebels 'will overcome' Aquino's call for a 'string of military victories.' but he added he is 'not saying it will not create problems.' Ocampo said Aquino might call for another round of peace negotiations after she has realized the 'futility' of her total war which, he noted, would inflict more harm on civilians than on the New People's Army (NPA), armed-wing of the banned communist party. A statement made by Aquino after the bombing of the country's only military school prompted military authorities to launch an all- out war against the 18-year-old insurgency movement. The latest military attacks against NPA holdouts have witnessed the first use of high- powered fighter bombers and helicopter gunships and involved 1,500 soldiers in Kalinga-Apayao province, about 350 kilometers north of the capital. Aquino's call came after a temporary truce expired and peace talks between the NDF and the government collapsed. Renewed hostilities between government troopers and rebels have resulted in the killing of about 400 soldiers, rebels, and civilians. 'Massive military operations are expensive and cannot be done year-round. The infusion of resources into these operations would affect the government's economic recovery program,' Ocampo told reporters in a news conference outside manila. NDF spokesman Antonio Zumel was also present at the news conference. It was the first time for the rebel leaders to appear before reporters since they went back underground with the expiry of their safe conduct passes, given during the temporary ceasefire. Zumel said the escalation of the war would bring an 'international condemnation which might pressure both sides to go back to the negotiating table.' However, Ocampo said they would be only willing to hold a new round of peace talks 'under new terms.' he said if talks resume, the terms should include 'a clear framework working around the premise of a negotiated political settlement of the armed conflict.' Copyright © 1987 Kyodo News Service / Japan Economic Newswire. All Rights Reserved. Return to previous page. |
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As of Aug 1, 04 |