Gov't. terminates JASIG with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): Gov't. terminates JASIG with Reds

The Philippine government on Tuesday terminated the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CCP/NPA/NDF).

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, in a statement, confirmed the termination of the JASIG.

"We wish to announce that following the President’s pronouncement of the cancellation of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) and, per his instructions, the Government of the Philippines (GRP) Panel served to the NDF today the Government’s notice of termination of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG)," Dureza said.

The termination of the JASIG paves the way for the arrest of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants who were temporarily released from government detention to participate in the peace negotiations.

The Duterte government had earlier filed petitions before local courts for the temporary release of around 20 consultants, including NPA leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, for the negotiations.

The government and the NDF signed in February 1995 the JASIG, which guarantees safety and immunity to negotiators, consultants, and other personnel joining the peace talks.

Dureza further said that despite the cancellation of the peace talks, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte “remains committed in its peace efforts by continuing with resolve to explore all opportunities to intensify implementation of genuine reforms for the benefit of the people.”

He made the assurance that the "government will continue its vigilance in the preservation of law and order and in protecting our people against insurgent activities and threats of terrorism, and pursue the enhancement of our democratic institutions. Let us be one in our call for a stop to armed violence and pursue just and lasting peace by ways of peace,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961874