Coinciding with the celebration of the 48th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), mass demonstrations were held in and around the guerilla zones and bases across the country to show indignation over President Duterte’s unfulfilled vows of peace. The “National Assembly for Just and Lasting Peace” was held in a guerilla zone in Paquibato district, Davao City for which the event had the theme “People’s War is for People’s Peace”.

The event had gathered around 15,000 people hailing from different regions from Mindanao, from Cordillera, Southern Luzon, Bicol, Panay, Eastern Visayas and the National Capital Region.

The CPP called for peace rallies to be held nationwide as it condemned the continued detention of an estimated 400 political prisoners, a violation of previously signed peace talks agreements. The CPP also hit continuing military operations through Oplan Bayanihan amid unilateral ceasefire declarations and despite the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“Pinagtitibay ng pagtitipon ang paninindigan na ang just and lasting peace ay makakamit sa pagtupad ng mga adhikain ng mamamayan [This gathering fortifies the stance that the just and lasting peace can be attained by fulfilling the aspirations of the people],” said Ka Joaquin, who spoke in behalf of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, NPA National Operation Command spokesperson.