Government, NDF to resume talks

MANILA, Philippines - Communist rebels have agreed to resume formal peace negotiations, which hit an impasse due to some key differences with the government.

In a statement issued yesterday, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) said it met with government negotiators in Oslo, Norway on June 14 to 15 “to pave the way for the resumption of formal talks.”

A joint statement furnished to the media by the NDFP said both panels agreed to continue talking about matters raised during the Oslo meeting.

“The parties have agreed to continue meaningful discussions of concerns and issues raised by both sides on June 14 and 15, 2012 in Oslo, to pave the way for the resumption of formal talks in the peace negotiations in order to resolve the armed conflict and attain a just and lasting peace,” the statement read.

The NDFP said it is open to discussing a possible ceasefire deal with government troops.

“Our two panels can discuss these in connection with an earlier proposal of the NDFP for a Concise Agreement for an Immediate Just Peace as well as with the later proposal for truce and alliance submitted directly to your President,” it said.

The communists are also ready to talk to the government about the 1998 agreement that supported socioeconomic projects and private development organizations.

NDFP reiterated its call for the release of 356 allies, whom it claimed are political prisoners. It also demanded the release of 14 rebels the NDFP said were covered by immunity guarantees.

The group also called for an independent investigation on the killing of Sotero Llamas and the disappearance of some consultants.

NDFP also demanded removal of the terrorist tag from the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and its chief political consultant CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison by the United States and other foreign governments. 

The government was represented by chief negotiator Alexander Padilla, panel members Efren Moncupa and Jurgette Honculada, its consultant Paulyn Sicam and Maria Carla Villarta, its director and secretariat head.

The NDFP, on the other hand, was represented by chairperson Luis Jalandoni, Sison, panel members Fidel Agcaoili and Julieta de Lima, and Rachel Pastores, legal consultant.

Representing the Norwegian government, the third party facilitator, were Ambassador Ture N.L. Lundh, Knut Solem, and Sverre Johan Kvale. Former senator Wigberto Tañada attended the meeting as observer.