POLITICAL prisoner and now peace consultant Pedro “Ka Gonyong” Codaste Thursday, September 8, urged the public to be vigilant amid President Rodrigo Duterte's
proclamation declaring the country in national emergency on account of lawless violence.
Codaste, however, said the declaration cannot be a groundwork by the Duterte administration to declare martial law.
“Tan-awon lang nato ang development sa gi-declare nga national emergency pero I don’t believe that this is a groundwork for martial law,” Codaste said,
Read: Palace
He added this was only declared due to terror threat, though the people should not be wary on the suspension of habeas corpus.
Codaste, however, cautioned the public to be watchful in the coming days for a possible unexpected turn of events.
“Vigilant lang gihapon kay katungod ni nato tanan nga magbinantayon aron masigurado nga dili na manumbalik ang atong mga na-experience under sa balaod-militar,” he
adds.
Codaste, along with peace consultant Afredo “Ka Paris” Mapano, are in Cagayan de Oro City after the peace talks took a one-month break.
“We’re now in the process of working our own drafts as part of the reciprocal working committee of the National Democratic Front.”
Mapano said the next round of talks will possibly take place in Spain or Portugal and expected to tackle on socio-economic reforms.
“While the peace talks is taking place, walay gira sa pusil, but we will continue to conduct rally and engage ourselves in political discussions,” he said.
Mapano said the whole New People’s Army force will also be in active defense for possible attacks.
“Gwapo kaayo ang dagan karon kay seryoso ang both sides, dili pareha sa una nga respetar lang ang nahitabo. Basta, we are confident that we will achieve just and long-
lasting peace which is our ultimate goal,” he said.
