Bello confirms resignation of gov’t ceasefire panel chief

MANILA, Philippines —Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Thursday confirmed the resignation of Francisco “Pancho” Lara Jr. who served as chairman of the government peace panel’s ceasefire committee.

Bello, who also serves as chairperson of the negotiating panel, said Lara’s resignation was confirmed to him by other members of the peace panel.

“I saw an FB (Facebook) item on that, si Pancho Lara. But I think I can confirm that, although I’ve not talked to him yet. I confronted some of my members and asked if the press release is accurate. ‘Yung member ng panel confirmed that it is accurate,” Bello said in a Palace briefing.

Lara reportedly stepped down after President Duterte allegedly “torpedoed” certain areas of the negotiations.

Asked what prompted Lara to quit, Bello said he has yet to speak with Lara, but he said Lara did an “honorable thing” stepping down because of Duterte.

“If that is true, he did an honorable thing. (Kapag) Hindi mo nasasang-ayunan ‘yung ginagawa ng amo mo (If you do not agree with your boss), the honorable thing to do is leave your superior,” he said.

Talks between the government and the communists broke down last year as the administration cited the New People’s Army’s continued attacks against state troops despite ongoing negotiations. /ee

READ: No more peace talks with communists, says Duterte