Bello being sent to Oslo for peace talks

From Malaya (May 30): Bello being sent to Oslo for peace talks

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has directed incoming Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to go to Oslo, Norway to hold preliminary talks with the National Democratic Front and start working on a framework agenda for the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Bello served as government peace negotiator with communist rebels under the Arroyo administration.

Duterte, in an interview with media late Saturday, said Bello would also accompany Jose Ma. Sison, CPP founding chairman, on his possible return to Manila.

He said he is prepared to give Sison a safe conduct pass after he formally assumes the presidency on June 30.

He said he is also looking at giving passes to other CPP leaders who are detained, like CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon and CPP secretary Wilma Austria who, he said, are participants in the peace negotiations.

Duterte said he may even agree to the release of all the political prisoners if his government and communist group could come up wit a “perfect agreement” that will “enhance and not jeopardize” the country and the lives of the Filipinos.

He also called on the New People’s Army, the communist’s armed group, not to seize spare policemen who are doing their jobs, like investigating crimes.

He made the call following recent abduction of policemen in some provinces for the NPA to try them supposedly for alleged crimes against the people.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/bello-being-sent-oslo-peace-talks