Philippine Reds Hint at Truce Talks

Communist rebels today indicated for the first time that they are willing to negotiate with the new government of President Corazon Aquino for a nationwide cease-fire.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and the communist-dominated National Democratic Front issued separate statements through a known rebel leader, Antonio Zummel, who was interviewed by Philippine reporters at an undisclosed location. Several reporters confirmed that the interview took place.

“With just, sincere and prudent moves of the concerned parties, a negotiated cease-fire is possible on a nationwide scale,” said the printed statement from the Communist Party and the “General Staff of the New People’s Army,” the party’s rebel army. The statement was dated March 18 but previously had not been made public.

Presidential spokesman Rene Saguisag, informed of the rebel willingness to discuss a cease-fire, said it will have to be evaluated. “It would help if they would stop shooting in the meantime,” he said.

293 Killed Since Takeover

Military records indicate that 293 people have been killed in 173 armed encounters with rebels since Aquino became president Feb. 25.

The Communist Party statement said the rebels “sincerely acknowledge” the popular support gained by Aquino, who became president in a military-civilian revolt.

The party, outlawed under Marcos, praised Aquino for unconditionally releasing political prisoners, restoring civil liberties and “carrying out measures to dismantle the fascist structures.”

The National Democratic Front, an underground umbrella group of leftist organizations that includes the Communist Party, declared a “readiness to dialogue with the government of Corazon Aquino on the subject of an eventual cease-fire between the New People’s Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Strike at U.S. bases continues, Page 4.