Gov't peace panel welcomes NDF’s readiness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): Gov't peace panel welcomes NDF’s readiness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement
The Government peace panel on Monday welcomed the National Democratic Front's (NDF) willingness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the government even before the release of the political prisoners.

Government peace negotiator Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, in a statement, said Luis Jalandoni's statement on the readiness of the NDF to sign a ceasefire agreement even before the release of the political prisoners, is indeed a welcome development as this bodes well to a positive atmosphere when we meet again for the third round of talks in January.

“A bilateral ceasefire would not only benefit the combatants but the people who are caught in the crossfire of this armed conflict,” he said.

He added that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) panel further recognizes the NDF’s efforts to work with us to attain peace.

“Its declaration of an indefinite unilateral ceasefire in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration in August is unprecedented and historic. Agreeing to a bilateral ceasefire is another milestone in the peace process,” Bello pointed out.

Both panels have never set preconditions since the start of the negotiations under this administration.

“Despite the challenges, we continue to struggle to make peace happen for the country and the Filipino people,” he noted.

According to the Chief Peace Negotiator, “rest assured that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte remains committed to the release of a substantial number of political prisoners. The President has already shown time and again that he delivers on his word. “

Bello pointed out that forging a bilateral ceasefire agreement is the best gift the government and the NDF can give to the Filipino people this holiday season.

“May this lead to the permanent end of hostilities for the new year leading to a just and lasting peace,” he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947692