Posted to the Government of Norway Website (Jun 27, 2024): Philippine peace talks
Renewed hope in the peace process – the Philippine government and the Communist Movement signed a joint vision for peace in Oslo on 23 November 2023.The armed conflict between the Philippine government and the Communist Movement (Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP); National Peaople's Army (NPA); National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)) has lasted for over 50 years. The parties have repeatedly tried to negotiate for peace. Social and economic inequalities in society are one of the motivations behind the communist armed rebellion. It is estimated that more than 40,000 lives have been lost during the conflict.
Norway has been facilitating the negotiations since 2001. During this period, Norway has played an active role in the process, with rounds of negotiations and confidential talks held in Oslo and other cities. However, negotiations have broken down several times, reflecting the complexity of addressing deep-seated issues within a tense political landscape. Despite the challenges, both parties have nevertheless recognized the need for a negotiated political solution to end the armed conflict and achieve lasting peace in the Philippines.
The last round of formal talks was called off by the then president in November 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict reached a historic low, and prospects for resuming negotiations remained uncertain.
Renewed hope for talks
During 2022 and 2023, Norway facilitated confidential talks between the parties. A breakthrough was recently achieved when the parties agreed on a common vision for peace that paves the way for the start of formal negotiations. The agreement was signed in Oslo City Hall on 23 November 2023.
Norway will continue as facilitator and assist the parties in the negotiations ahead.
The signing of a joint vision for peace in Oslo City Hall on 23 November 2023. Credit: Mathias Rongved/Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
In 2014, the Philippine government and the Muslim rebel movement Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao entered into a peace agreement that resulted in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2019. Disarmament and the reintegration of former soldiers back into civilian life have been crucial for ensuring lasting peace. The disarmament process started in 2019. Norway has played a central role in the independent mechanism for the disarmament of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. So far, 25,000 of the 40,000 former combatants have been demobilized, and 15,000 remain.
The peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
In 2014, the Philippine government and the Muslim rebel movement Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao entered into a peace agreement that resulted in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2019. Disarmament and the reintegration of former soldiers back into civilian life have been crucial for ensuring lasting peace. The disarmament process started in 2019. Norway has played a central role in the independent mechanism for the disarmament of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. So far, 25,000 of the 40,000 former combatants have been demobilized, and 15,000 remain.
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/foreign-affairs/peace-and-reconciliation-efforts/norways_engagement/talks_philippines/id2522232/
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