Statement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on the Attacks in Surigao del Norte

"Peace talks are more difficult when there is no accompanying ceasefire on the ground. Hostile attacks such as the one conducted by the NPA yesterday in 3 mining areas in Surigao del Norte undermine people's confidence in the peace process, creating a 'disconnect' between agreements made on the peace table and what is happening on the ground. It begins to look like just another game being played by the parties. Without people's strong support, negotiations become more difficult and a peace settlement more elusive. But government remains committed to the peace process -- we continue to look for peaceful resolution to all armed conflict -- and hope the other party will listen more to our people's aspirations for peace and devote more energies on making the peace table work.”