MANILA — Department of National Defense (Department of National Defense (Philippines)) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Saturday said he is opposed to resuming peace negotiations with the New People’s Army, rejecting calls from former negotiators following renewed violence in Negros Occidental.

Teodoro said reopening talks would grant legitimacy to the insurgent group, which he described as unacceptable.

Holding peace talks will elevate the NPA’s cause “to something legitimate,” which Teodoro said is unacceptable.

“I object to any peace talks with the NPA. The Filipinos are at peace. They are the ones disturbing the peace. So, why should we talk to them?” Teodoro said in an ambush interview in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

“They’re committing crimes. Plain and simple. And it’s terrorism. Plain and simple.”

Calls for renewed negotiations emerged after an April 19 clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead.

Teodoro made the remarks while joining Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos in distributing PHP5,600 in displacement assistance and family food packs to 734 fisherfolk at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

A no-sail policy remains in effect in Laoag City and the towns of Burgos and Paoay until May 8 due to the ongoing “Balikatan” military exercises.

The defense chief also dismissed reports alleging recruitment of active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for destabilization plots, saying there is no supporting evidence.

“Wala pa kaming natutumbok na any active duty na members of the Armed Forces na kasama sa kahit anong mang (We have yet to detect any active-duty members of the AFP joining any) destabilization,” he said.

Teodoro added that there is no basis for loyalty checks within the military, stressing that such allegations remain unverified.