MANILA- Communist rebels should make a “dramatic gesture” to show their sincerity in moving the peace talks forward, an analyst said Monday.

Tony La Viña, former dean of the Ateneo De Manila University-School of Government, said one of these dramatic gestures can be offering a ceasefire, considering that it would also be hard to continue talks if there is fighting.

“There needs to be some dramatic gesture, concession maybe by the left, by the communists to show that they are really going to move this forward,” La Viña said in a phone interview on Mornings@ANC.

“Maybe a clear signal that they are still open to a bilateral ceasefire,” he added.

Following a series of clashes between the New People’s Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Duterte has since withdrawn the government’s unilateral ceasefire and suspended peace talks with communist rebels.

He has also declared that he considers the rebels as terrorists.

La Viña also commended President Rodrigo Duterte for retaining leftist Cabinet members and suggested that these secretaries can explain to Duterte the value of releasing political prisoners, an issue that has long been disputed by both parties.

"They (leftist cabinet secretaries) do understand that (communist movement) and they can perhaps enlighten the President," he said.

La Viña also noted that since Duterte is known to make dramatic gestures as well, it won’t be a surprise if he decides to go back to the negotiating table.

“Nobody would be surprised. I won’t be surprised so I’m hopeful, I really am,” he said.