Opinion: Sailing the troubled waters of peace: Gov’t exploratory talks with CPP-NPA-NDFP

Opinion piece posted to the Manila Bulletin (Feb 4, 2024): Sailing the troubled waters of peace: Gov’t exploratory talks with CPP-NPA-NDFP (By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret))

A violent history of strife describes the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA). After the declaration of the exploratory talks, a raging wave of comments was immediately raised. The exploratory talks provide a chance for enduring peace despite the condemnations and criticisms. Charting the choppy waters for these talks will increase the chance for dialogue and understanding that will lead to a prosperous future.

In the past, the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations seemed to be fixed in their respective positions, the peace talks have been suspended repeatedly. Perhaps the deep scars of past conflicts block the acceptance of fresh perspectives to resolve these conflicting positions.

A set of previously agreed accords have often been interpreted by some sectors as cunning weapons employed by the CPP-NPA-NDFP such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG), The Hague Joint Declaration (THJD), and Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Why not redefine and reassess these accords’ objectives rather than dismissing these criticisms? Can we reform these into genuine agreements?

On Nov. 23, 2023, the GRP-NDFP signed a joint statement in Oslo, Norway. The statement agreed that “Resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle shall pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDFP.”

With the signing of the joint statement, the GRP was observed refusing to bend to the NDFP demands. Rebuffing the preconditions desired by the NDFP such as a ceasefire during the talks, the release of imprisoned NPAs, and the disbanding of the NTF-ELCAC showed its position of strength at the negotiating table.

The National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) achieved significant operational and tactical victories. However, to attain total victory in defeating the NPA requires strategic-level political and diplomatic initiatives to safeguard long-term stability. Therefore, for a sustainable political and diplomatic resolution, a holistic approach is crucial.

Also being raised is the sincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDFP in the talks as they have been accused of using the talks as a camouflage for their politico-military recovery efforts. The exploratory talks should be seen as an opportunity to reevaluate, reassess, and possibly find mutual areas for a genuine path to peace to be navigated. Can the errors of the long ago evolve into a path toward advancement? It is a course worth to be charted.

These challenges require consultation and active participation of the public at large, particularly by the active and retired security forces who have the loudest voices of dissent. The GRP responsibly responded to these by explaining the rationale of the talks reflecting a positive attitude towards criticisms and feedback. The Filipinos merit to have a voice in their future and to be actively involved in the peace process. Our democracy mandates that the people’s voices should be heard. The receptiveness to dissonant voices guarantees a responsive peace process.

Lastly, as a historical precedent, the GRP-Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) inked the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) in 1996. Later, the GRP-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014. In both these accords, a significant reduction in violent activities was observed immediately after the signing paving the way for development to prosper in these areas.

Amidst the storm, there is a glimmer of hope. As we go on board this exploratory journey, let us not forget the lessons of long ago but let them guide us toward a brighter future. Exploratory talks offer the chance to test the troubled waters, to determine if we can chart the stormy weather for peace, and arise from the windy glooms of distrust. It is a risk worth taking, for in the quest for peace, even the smallest glimpse of good weather in the stormy seas can lead the way forward. Yes, sailing in troubled waters is perilous, but the destination – a nation free of strife, laying a strong foundation for development – is worth the struggle. Let us navigate on this journey with zeal, with open minds, and with the steadfast commitment to explore the chance for lasting peace.

(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/5/sailing-the-troubled-waters-of-peace-gov-t-exploratory-talks-with-cpp-npa-ndfp