In the fourth round of talks held in the Netherlands, the government peace panel and the NDF represented by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison (left) agreed on a joint interim ceasefire as they discuss the conditions that will be included in the bilateral ceasefire agreement. Berit Roald / NTB scanpix via AP, File
MANILA, Philippines - The government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) yesterday agreed on a joint interim ceasefire.
In the fourth round of talks held in the Netherlands, the government peace panel led by its chairman Silvestre Bello III and the NDF represented by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison agreed on a joint interim ceasefire as they discuss the conditions that will be included in the bilateral ceasefire agreement.
“We welcome the openness of NDF to undertake a forging of this round of talks of an agreement on joint interim ceasefire that will accompany our peace negotiations throughout,” Bello said.
Under the bilateral ceasefire agreement, the government and the NDF are expected to discuss the revolutionary tax collection of the CPP’s New People’s Army, hostile acts, strength of military forces and the NPA, and the release of political prisoners.
NDF peace panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili said the ceasefire agreement should not be pursued as an end in itself because “ceasefires, whether unilateral or bilateral or joint, are just a means to an end.”
Meanwhile, presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza said that any agreements reached by the two panels will be reflected on the ground.
“It will move us forward. It’s difficult when we sign an agreement and no one is following it,” Dureza said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/05/1687785/government-reds-agree-joint-interim-ceasefire
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