PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on all Filipinos to wholeheartedly support the government’s renewed bid for a peaceful resolution to the country’s long-standing armed conflict. In a statement posted on his official social media accounts, Marcos expressed his firm belief that the nation has taken a bold and meaningful step towards achieving peace, prosperity, and unity.
“We have always advocated and striven for a peaceful, prosperous, and unified country. Today, I firmly believe that we have taken a bold, meaningful, and optimistic step toward the fulfillment of this aspiration for all Filipinos,” Marcos said.
Marcos emphasized the importance of the collective vision of peace, national reconciliation, and unity, and extended the government’s goodwill to those who are ready to embrace this vision. He called upon all Filipinos to support these efforts in good faith.
The President’s statement comes in response to the recent announcement made by presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Galvez revealed that representatives from the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) have signed a joint communique aimed at resolving the root causes of the armed conflict and bringing an end to the armed struggle involving 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.
Marcos highlighted the significance of the Joint Statement between the government and the NDFP, which recognizes the serious socioeconomic, environmental, and foreign security threats facing the nation today. Both parties have agreed to pursue a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict, with the aim of addressing these challenges as a unified nation.
Secretary Galvez clarified that the peace negotiations will not resume from where they were suspended. Instead, the government plans to start anew and is looking to draft a framework for the renewed peace efforts in the mid-first quarter of next year.
President Marcos Jr.’s call for wholehearted support reflects the government’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and unity in the Philippines. By renewing efforts to resolve the armed conflict through peaceful means, the government aims to address the socioeconomic, environmental, and foreign security threats that have hindered the nation’s progress.
It is essential for all Filipinos to rally behind this collective vision of peace, national reconciliation, and unity. By embracing these efforts, the nation can move forward and overcome the challenges it currently faces.
The renewed commitment to peace offers hope for a brighter future for all Filipinos. With the support and cooperation of the people, the government’s efforts can pave the way for a more prosperous and unified nation.
Source: The Manila Times
