Palace lauds resumption of peace talks

Manila, Philippines -  The Aquino administration yesterday lauded the decision of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) and government negotiators to resume peace negotiations that have been stalled for the past 15 months.

“We certainly welcome the decision of both parties, the decision (of the NDF) to resume talks with the government,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

He said the resumption of talks between the communist rebels and government panel, represented by chief negotiator Alex Padilla, is a “step in the right direction.”

The NDF announced over the weekend the resumption of formal peace negotiations after meeting with government negotiators in Oslo, Norway last June 14 and 15.

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

The NDF, on the other hand, was represented by chairman Luis Jalandoni, CPP founder Jose Ma. 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 an observer.

Fresh encounters

Meanwhile, Army troops yesterday raided an NPA lair in Capiz, disrupting the bomb and demolition training of its new members.

Maj. Enrico Ileto, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said fighting erupted between soldiers led by 1Lt. Roberto Escalona and rebels in Tapaz town at 9:35 a.m.

Ileto said the firefight resulted in the recovery of four improvised explosives used as landmines.

Four more landmines and live ammunition were recovered after government troops clashed with about 30 NPA rebels in Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar on Sunday.

There were no reported casualties on both sides.           

In Bulan, Sorsogon, a civilian was killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter also on Sunday.

Killed was Cesar Habla while wounded was Pfc. Gilbert Gayo. – With Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude, Celso Amo