By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Labor Secretary and Government Peace Panel chair Silvestre Bello III came to the defense of President Duterte from criticisms when the latter ordered government forces to destroy elements of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretay Silvestre Bello III speaks during the ASEAN Labor Ministers' Retreat in Davao City. (Keith Bacongco) Bello made the statement after the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) denounced the order, saying it was obvious that the government wanted to impose its own will upon the people. In a press briefing in Malacañang, Bello said that it is understandable why Duterte made such remark. "Well, the reality is we are in a state of armed conflict. 'Yan ang reality eh, wala pa namang peace eh. So banatan 'yan (That's the reality because there's no peace yet. So there will be fighting). And if I were the President I would do everything to crush the rebellion. So normal 'yan (that's normal)," he said. "Hangga’t hindi nagkakaroon ng (As long as there is no) peace agreement, peace settlement, then we continue to fight the rebels, at the very least, kung hindi man ma-crush totally, at least ma-decimate sila (at least decimate them if not totally crush them)," he added. Duterte's order to destroy the CPP-NPA-NDF came a year after the President scrapped the formal peace talks with the Reds. In cancelling the negotiations, Duterte cited the rebels' insincerity to the talks by violating their ceasefire. According to Bello, there is still chance for the peace talks to resume next year. "Anything is possible kasi (because) the President’s commitment to our country is inclusive, lasting peace for our country and if it means resuming the peace negotiation why not?" he said. "He (Duterte) is trying to get all the avenues for a possible peace negotiation and a peace settlement. So one of the venue is 'yung (the) localized peace talks," he added. Bello said that while the formal peace talks is put to a halt, the government's peace panel is reviewing and finalizing some agreements that were entered into. "In the meantime, what we are doing is we are reviewing 'yung (the) agreements entered into and then we are also preparing just in case there will be a resumption," he said. "We are about to finalize 'yung (the) agreement on social and economic reforms, which to me is the heart and soul of the peace negotiation. Pag nakwan 'yun, nabuo at nag-agree ang government natin at ang NDF CPP NPA (When that is finalized and all parties will agree to it), to me that’s the end game," he added. Meanwhile, Bello said that members of the peace panel confirmed that Francisco Lara Jr. resigned as ceasefire committee chair. "I think I can confirm that although I’ve not talked to him yet. I confronted some of my members and asked if the press release is accurate. 'Yung member ng panel (Panel members) confirmed that it is accurate," he said. Reports said that Lara resigned from his post because Duterte failed to meet some aspects of the negotiations. He also said that he did not like how the negotiations were handled. Bello said he respects Lara's decision to resign if that was really his reason. "If that is true, he did an honorable thing. Hindi mo nasasang-ayunan 'yung ginagawa ng amo mo (If you cannot agree with your boss, then), the honorable thing to do is leave your amo (boss)" he said.