Ceasefire with leftists, peace talks with Moro rebels highlighted in AFP’s 100-day report

From the BusinessWorld (Oct 15): Ceasefire with leftists, peace talks with Moro rebels highlighted in AFP’s 100-day report

EFFORTS to revive peace talks with Muslim separatist rebels and the ceasefire reimposed with leftist insurgents were among the gains made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the first 100 days of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

These, among others, were highlighted in an AFP report specially produced to mark the President’s first few months in office and submitted to AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya.

The country’s armed forces “has caused the observance of measures for a unilateral ceasefire and the institution of incipient conditions conducive to a ‘peacetalk’ between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF),” the AFP said in a statement.

Armed confrontation between the military and the NPA, the CPP’s armed wing, stopped after the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) was reimposed.

The AFP also mentioned its efforts on reviving the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.

Members of the AFP attended the workshop of the combined Secretariat of the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Davao City on August 28. The workshop reviewed the signed agreements/guidelines of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities that will aid refresh talks with the MILF as well as the MNLF to come up with a more inclusive peace plan”.

Similarly, the military also cited its achievements in “its quest to combat terrorism and support the anti-llegal drugs campaign,” according to the AFP.

Mr. Visaya said that the AFP will remain supportive of the President’s objectives.

“The AFP will be unwavering in its commitment to sustain its gains during the first 100 days of the [President]. It is my vow to lead the professional AFP that is fully committed to support the Commander-in-Chief in his advocacy against terrorism, illegal drugs, criminality, and graft and corruption,” Mr. Visaya said.

He added: ”The next 100 days and beyond will be as challenging, but we will steady the course. The Commander-in-Chief has embarked on the voyage and set the waypoints towards our destination, we just have to adjust the sails accordingly. Our President and our people can count on the AFP’s unwavering support.”

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=ceasefire-with-leftists-peace-talks-with-moro-rebels-highlighted-in-afp&8217s-100-day-report&id=134921