(UPDATE) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reached out to all Filipinos, urging their wholehearted support as the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) renew their efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the country’s long-standing armed conflict.
In a statement shared on his official social media accounts, Marcos expressed his unwavering commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and unified nation. He believes that the recent developments represent a bold, meaningful, and optimistic step towards realizing this shared aspiration for all Filipinos.
“I call upon the wholehearted support of all Filipinos as your government extends, in good faith, our nation’s goodwill to those ready to welcome and embrace our collective vision of peace, national reconciliation, and unity,” Marcos emphasized.
The President’s statement came shortly after presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced on Tuesday that representatives from the government and NDFP had signed a joint communiqué. The aim of this agreement is to “resolve the roots of the armed conflict and end the armed struggle” with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
The signing of the document took place on November 23 in Oslo, Norway, and was witnessed by the Royal Norwegian Government Special Envoy, Kristina Lie Revheim.
“As reflected in the Joint Statement between our government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, both parties recognize the ‘serious socioeconomic, environmental, and foreign security threats’ that our nation faces today,” Marcos explained. “In light of this recognition, we have agreed to pursue a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict, enabling us to confront these challenges as a unified nation.”
Secretary Galvez clarified that the peace negotiations would not resume but rather start anew. He stated that the government aims to draft the framework for these renewed efforts “in mid-first quarter” of the coming year.
The renewed commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the armed conflict is a significant development in the Philippines’ pursuit of lasting peace and stability. It demonstrates the government’s determination to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a united nation that can face its challenges together.
This endeavor requires the support and cooperation of all Filipinos. By rallying behind this collective vision of peace, national reconciliation, and unity, the country can move closer to achieving its goals of prosperity and harmony.
It is important for all parties involved to approach these negotiations with an open mind, a willingness to compromise, and a commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people. Only through genuine dialogue and understanding can a lasting resolution be reached.
As the government and the NDFP embark on this renewed journey towards peace, it is crucial to recognize the complexities and nuances of the armed conflict. By contextualizing these developments to an international audience, we can foster a better understanding of the challenges faced by the Filipino people and the significance of this ongoing pursuit of peace.
With the wholehearted support of all Filipinos, the government’s efforts to resolve the armed conflict can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation.
Source: The Manila Times
