Manila: The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denied reports that its founding chair Jose Ma. Sison is in the country.
In a statement, Sison, who holds the concurrent post of chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF), said he remains in his residence in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Sison's statement was in response to news reports citing so-called
intelligence reports claiming that he has slipped into to the Philippines recently.
To prove that Sison has not left Utrecht, radio reporter Joe Taruc of station dzRH talked with the Philippine communist leader over the phone during the latter's radio programme.
Sison at the same time, accused Pastor Alcover of the anti-communist partylist Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) of spreading disinformation to give the impression that President Benigno Aquino III has "sided with the communists."
"Alcover is working with right-wing zealots such as Norberto Gonzales, Roberto Intengan and other pro-Arroyo reactionaries to conjure the illusion that Benigno Aquino III has "sided with the communists," Sison said.
Sison, said that contrary to Alcover's depiction that the CPP and NDF is already very close to having a peace accord with the Aquino government, Sison said that the prospects for a mutually-acceptable pact remains as remote as ever.
"The fact, however, is that there is no peace agreement with the Aquino regime, and the possibility of forging one remains dim," Sison said.
Credible sources
For his part, Alcover defended his accusations against Sison.
"Our sources are highly credible. They are within those wielding government power and authority. We only warned the Filipinos of Sison's scheduled return last year because indeed, according to our source, there were efforts to facilitate his travel back here," Alcover said.
"Whether he is in the country or not is immaterial for us. Nevertheless, our statements were never emphatic that he is here. Instead, we asked government, particularly President Aquino III, to issue a statement either to confirm or deny the information that had been wildly circulating all throughout," Alcover clarified.
"Our sources are highly credible. They are within those wielding government power and authority. We only warned the Filipinos of Joma's scheduled return last year because indeed, according to our source, there were efforts to facilitate his travel back here," Alcover said.
The lawmaker added that Sison was just incensed that his efforts to return to the country was foiled by ANAD's revelation on his intentions.
Government peace negotiators and those of the NDF had been trying to resume peace parlays since last year following an optimistic start under the new administration under Aquino. Currently the talks had been deadlocked for a full year over the issue concerning demands by the NDF reinstate certain peace negotiators representing the rebel panel.
The NDF had refused continue the talks unless its nominees in the peace panel are given immunity from arrest.
Alexander Padilla, government chief negotiator in talks with the NDF, said discussion should continue on the socio-political and demobilisation aspect of the the 43-year-old insurgency.
