AFP casts doubt on arrested NPA leader’s peace role By Mario J. Mallari 01/11/2011

AFP casts doubt on arrested NPA leader’s peace role

By Mario J. Mallari 01/11/2011

The military yesterday expressed doubts over the supposed inclusion of arrested top New People’s Army (NPA) leader Tirso Alcantara in the list of consultants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) talks covered by the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantee (Jasig).

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., during a press briefing, noted that Alcantara, alias “Ka Bart,” failed to present documents to prove he is indeed a consultant of the CPP-NDF in the conduct of peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

“Looking at the rules and regulations of Jasig, he needs to present two things, first, is a document stating he is a member of the negotiating team, and second, he was actually in the performance (of his role) in the negotiating panel,” he said.

“These two items were not present, so with that in mind, we doubt really if he is a member (covered) of the Jasig,” Mabanta stressed..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110111hed4.html