CPP-NPA-NDF blamed for peace talks’ collapse

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 12): CPP-NPA-NDF blamed for peace talks’ collapse

Lack of sincerity on the part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)has been blamed for the collapse of the resumption of peace negotiations with the government.

Former government peace negotiator Alex Padilla said the CPP-NPA-NDF’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal has made the situation even more untenable.

Now president of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Padilla used to head the government peace negotiating panel with communist rebels.

Late last year, hopes were renewed for the reactivation of the peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF following reports of a successful backdoor talks between local communist leaders and representatives of President Aquino.

However, the revival of peace talks took a back seat as the Aquino government came under fire in the Mamasapano tragedy that threatened the peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Padilla recalled that the CPP-NPA-NDF has been demanding for the release of all its members detained in various jails in the country.

“There have been releases, in fact a number of their members have been released. The problem is they go back to the underground once freed,” lamented Padilla.

Padilla said both the government and the communist side accuse each other of being insincere in their claims for peace.

“Government wanted ceasefire but they do not want it,” the former peace negotiator said.

Last December, a dialogue between President Aquino and self – exiled CPP-NPA-NDF chief Jose Ma. Sison was proposed to jumpstart the reactivation of peace talks.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, who acted as spokesman of the communist peace panel, welcomed the new bid for peace talks but was not too optimistic it will be completed before Aquino steps down from Malacañang in 2016.
http://www.mb.com.ph/cpp-npa-ndf-blamed-for-peace-talks-collapse/