Reds land reform push continues at peace talks

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 5): Reds land reform push continues at peace talks

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines will continue to push for the implementation genuine land reform in its peace negotiations with the Philippine government, NDFP adviser Luis Jalandoni said Saturday.

Jalandoni, who was in Bacolod City Saturday, said genuine land reform essentially means the land will be distributed free to the tillers of the land, with credit assistance and irrigation.

Government can then compensate landowners to go into small, medium or even big industries to develop the Philippines, said Jalandoni, who is from Negros Occidental.

“We need a very strong campaign and movement in order to achieve genuine land reform, the hacienderos will not easily give up their land,” he said.

He does not think the Philippine government will yield easily to the push for genuine land reform, it will require a big mass action and mass support in order to achieve this, Jalandoni said.

There are some elements in the government that are supportive of genuine land reform, they have patriotic and progressive sentiments for the future of the country, he said.

The NDFP is also pushing for national industrialization, and national independence, he added.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/December/05/topstory3.htm