SEN. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, expressed his support for the recent agreement to restart peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). This joint communique signifies the willingness of both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground for the betterment of the country.
Estrada emphasized that the resumption of peace talks is a significant development in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the long-standing armed conflict in the Philippines. He highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to grant amnesty to rebels as a positive step towards fostering mutual understanding, compromise, and ultimately, resolving deep-rooted issues.
The road to lasting peace is undoubtedly challenging, but the resumption of talks opens avenues for dialogue, cooperation, and reconciliation. Estrada assured that his committee would closely monitor the negotiations to ensure that any agreement reached reflects the principles of justice, inclusivity, and reconciliation, while upholding the interests of the Filipino people.
Delegations from the government and the communist rebel movement in the Philippines recently agreed to a “common vision for peace” in Oslo, Norway. Norway has played a crucial role in mediating the conflict for over two decades. The joint statement issued by both parties emphasizes the commitment to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict, aiming to address the deep-rooted socioeconomic and political grievances that have fueled the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for more than half a century.
The agreement, sealed with a handshake between Antonio Lagdameo Jr., special assistant to President Marcos, and Luis Jalandoni, a member of the NDFP’s National Executive Council, was the result of several informal discussions held in the Netherlands and Norway since the beginning of 2022.
Formal peace talks have been dormant since late 2017 when they were terminated by President Rodrigo Duterte following a reported NPA attack in Mindanao. However, with the resumption of exploratory talks, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos believes that economic growth, especially in conflict-affected areas, will be stimulated.
Abalos acknowledged that the armed conflict has not only caused loss of lives but has also disrupted numerous local communities, leading to the loss of livelihoods. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will actively participate in the “whole-of-government” approach, which aligns with President Marcos’ inclusive peace agenda.
Abalos emphasized that peace and order are essential for economic development and sustained progress in communities. He believes that the resumption of talks reflects the President’s commitment to uniting the nation and addressing long-standing grievances.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) views the reopening of negotiations as a significant step towards achieving a more peaceful, prosperous, and unified country. PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo expressed hope that the participation of all stakeholders, along with good faith and genuine effort from all parties involved, would lead to sustainable peace.
As we embark on this new chapter of peace talks in the Philippines, it is important to recognize the challenges ahead and the potential impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos. The resumption of dialogue provides an opportunity to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a future of unity, reconciliation, and prosperity for all.
Source: The Manila Times
