MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday that peace talks with rebels are to cease, saying the government is just wasting money in negotiating with them.

In a speech, Duterte said: "I believe you, Mr. Sison, We stop talking. We're wasting our time. ... Let us renew the fighting for another 50 years. It's what you want ..."

Duterte was referring to Jose Ma. Sison, the exiled founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines.