Education Secretary Duterte Rejects Calls for Peace Talks After Rebel Attacks Disrupt Classes in Masbate

The Education Secretary's statement was in response to the recent attacks in Masbate that have disrupted classes and affected thousands of learners and school personnel. She emphasized that negotiating with the NDFP is "doomed to fail" and warned against giving legitimacy to the "terrorism" of the NPA.

Castro, on the other hand, condemned the assaults and demanded a thorough inquiry by forensic experts and the Commission on Human Rights to find out who was responsible. One soldier was killed and two other troops, two police officers, and two civilians were hurt during the fighting in Masbate.

Despite the disruption caused by the attacks, the Department of Education (DepEd) has assured the public that it is taking steps to ensure the continuity of learning. No suspension of classes was implemented, and the DepEd has tasked the regional and school offices in Bicol and Masbate to ensure that learners can continue their education despite the challenges posed by the attacks.

The ongoing armed conflict in the Philippines and its effects on the educational system have once again been brought to light by the latest fighting in Masbate. Others contend that negotiations with the NDFP are not the answer, despite calls for the restart of peace talks to address the conflict's fundamental causes. The safety and education of students should be a major priority for all parties involved, regardless of the divergent opinions on how to resolve the problem.

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Source:

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news
Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News