The government is not giving up on the possibility of resuming the stalled peace talks with the local communist group despite challenges in the past.
“Based on an update from Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), we are open and interested in resuming the formal talks,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview with state-owned radio station, DZRB.
Coloma said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles and Undersecretary Manny Bautista of the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace went to Loreto, Agusan del Sur, early this month to witness the surrender of more than 150 communist rebels.
He said the two officials witnessed the laying down of arms by the rebels while lauding their decision to return to the civilian life. The rebels were reportedly given cash aid and livelihood assistance.
“Our government wants to pursue the peace process and continues to study the possibilities of resumption of the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” he said.
The government earlier said it would coordinate with Norway to determine how the peace talks with the CPP-NPA can move forward. Norway has facilitated the peace talks between the government and the NDF, the negotiating arm of the communist group.
Talks have been suspended a few years ago due to a conflict on the rebels’ demand for the release of some of their detained consultants. Rebel negotiators have questioned the sincerity of the Aquino government in the peace talks, reportedly saying they prefer to talk peace with the next administration.
http://www.mb.com.ph/palace-keen-on-talks-with-reds/
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